Morocco See Off Cameroon to Reach AFCON Semi Final
Morocco continued their impressive Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a controlled 2-0 victory over Cameroon on Friday night, booking a place in the semi final and keeping alive their pursuit of a first continental title since 1976.
The hosts struck once in each half at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari on target as the Atlas Lions outclassed the five time champions in a composed quarter final display.
Cameroon arrived with experience and pedigree, boasting attacking threats such as Manchester United winger Bryan Mbeumo, but they struggled to impose themselves against a Moroccan side that dictated tempo and territory from the opening exchanges.
The result underlined Morocco’s growing authority in the tournament. Playing on home soil and backed by a passionate crowd, Walid Regragui’s side have combined technical quality with tactical discipline, emerging as one of the strongest contenders for the title.
From the outset, the atmosphere in Rabat reflected the stakes. Thousands of supporters filled the stands, urging the Atlas Lions forward as they pressed high and dominated possession, particularly through midfield where Cameroon found little space to operate.
Cameroon’s plans were disrupted midway through the first half when Junior Tchamadeu was forced off injured after 24 minutes, with Dina Ebimbe introduced earlier than expected. The change unsettled their defensive structure and Morocco quickly took advantage.
The breakthrough arrived in the 26th minute from a corner. Cameroon failed to deal with the delivery, allowing the ball to fall kindly to Brahim Diaz inside the box. The forward reacted sharply, guiding a controlled finish past the goalkeeper to claim his fifth goal of the tournament and give Morocco a deserved lead.
Morocco could have doubled their advantage before the interval. Ayoub El Kaabi found himself in a promising position but could not convert, while Cameroon struggled to build sustained attacks despite occasional breaks down the flanks.
The pattern remained largely unchanged after the restart. Morocco continued to circulate the ball with confidence, while Cameroon chased the game without finding rhythm, particularly in central areas where they were second best.
A lapse in marking almost cost Cameroon again on the hour mark when Abde Ezzalzouli connected cleanly from close range, only to send his effort wide with the goalkeeper beaten. The warning, however, went unheeded.
Fifteen minutes later, Morocco made their dominance count. A loose ball inside the penalty area fell to Ismael Saibari, who struck a low, driven effort into the bottom corner to make it 2-0 and effectively seal the contest.
Cameroon attempted to respond with changes from the bench, but the momentum remained firmly with the hosts. Morocco managed the closing stages with maturity, limiting their opponents to speculative efforts and seeing out the match with little alarm.
The victory sends Morocco into the semi final, where they will face the winner of the quarter final between Algeria and Nigeria. With form, confidence, and home support on their side, the Atlas Lions continue to look every bit like a team capable of ending their long wait for continental glory.
Among them. For them. Morocco making their home fans proud. 🇲🇦#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WeCelebrateDifferent pic.twitter.com/Gof48gIDI7
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 9, 2026