Mazraoui and Morocco End Mbeumo AFCON Run as United Await Forward’s Return
Manchester United teammates crossed paths on the Africa Cup of Nations stage on Friday as Noussair Mazraoui’s Morocco defeated Bryan Mbeumo’s Cameroon 2-0 to reach the semi finals. The result ended Cameroon’s campaign and clears the way for Mbeumo to return to Manchester, offering timely relief for a United side stretched by absences and instability.
Morocco set the tone early and took control inside the opening half hour. Brahim Diaz struck the opener after reacting quickest to an Ayoub El Kaabi header from Achraf Hakimi’s corner, bundling the ball home from close range to continue his prolific tournament.
The hosts maintained their authority after the break and removed any lingering doubt in the 74th minute. Abde Ezzalzouli’s free kick drifted through a crowded penalty area before Ismael Saibari met it with a low, decisive finish into the bottom corner.
The win sends Morocco into a semi final meeting with either Algeria or Nigeria next Wednesday. While Mazraoui’s stay at the tournament will extend into late next week, Mbeumo is expected back in England this weekend following Cameroon’s exit.
For Manchester United, the timing matters. The club have been without Mbeumo, Mazraoui and Amad Diallo during a turbulent winter period that has exposed a lack of depth, particularly on the right flank. Mbeumo’s return offers an immediate boost as United attempt to stabilise both results and structure.
The match itself reflected Morocco’s growing confidence in front of a passionate home crowd. They pressed aggressively from the outset, controlled possession through midfield, and repeatedly used Hakimi’s delivery from wide areas to stretch Cameroon’s back line.
Cameroon struggled to gain momentum and were denied by Morocco’s defensive organisation whenever they threatened. Clear chances were limited, and the game’s key moments consistently fell in Morocco’s favour, with little controversy required to tilt the balance.
Diaz’s opener was a reward for sustained pressure, his sharp movement in the box punishing a moment of defensive hesitation. Saibari’s second goal followed a similar pattern, capitalising on poor marking and sealing the contest with clinical efficiency.
The second half saw Cameroon push higher up the pitch, but the increased risk only created more space for Morocco on the counter. Tactical discipline and composure ensured the hosts never lost control.
As the match wore on, Morocco managed the tempo expertly, limiting late drama and closing the game with confidence befitting tournament favourites.
Attention now shifts back to club football for Mbeumo, who will return to a changed environment at Old Trafford. United are preparing for a new chapter under interim management, and while the FA Cup comes too soon, the forward is targeting a return for next weekend’s Manchester derby, a timely reinforcement as the season reaches a critical phase.