Brahim Diaz continued his outstanding scoring run at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Ismael Saibari also found the net as host nation Morocco recorded a deserved 2-0 victory over Cameroon in their quarter-final encounter on Friday, keeping alive their hopes of lifting the trophy on home soil.
The Real Madrid winger provided the crucial touch to Ayoub El Kaabi’s header in the 26th minute, sending more than 64,000 supporters at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat into celebration.
Diaz’s latest strike marked his fifth goal in five appearances at the tournament, underlining his importance to Walid Regragui’s side.
Morocco doubled their advantage after the break through Saibari, sealing a performance that reflected their dominance and control. The hosts now advance to a semi-final clash against the winner of Saturday’s highly anticipated meeting between Algeria and Nigeria, a contest expected to pose a far sterner challenge.
Cameroon, who had surpassed expectations by reaching this stage despite a turbulent build-up to the competition, were unable to mount a serious threat. The five-time African champions struggled creatively, with Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo largely isolated and ineffective.
As Africa’s highest-ranked team and 2022 World Cup semi-finalists, Morocco are carrying immense expectations from their home supporters, having last won the continental title nearly 50 years ago.
Questions have lingered over whether they could manage such pressure, but their progression to the semi-finals suggests growing belief and composure. It also marks their first appearance at this stage of the AFCON since losing the 2004 final to Tunisia.
Regragui named an unchanged lineup from the narrow last-16 win over Tanzania, extending an unbeaten run that stretches back to their defeat by South Africa at the 2024 tournament. Cameroon, fresh from eliminating South Africa, appeared intent on stifling the hosts early and unsettling the crowd.
Morocco’s previous experience of hosting the AFCON ended painfully in 1988, when Cameroon eliminated them at the semi-final stage, but history did not look likely to repeat itself. Cameroon were further hampered by the early injury to right wing-back Jackson Tchamadeu, who was forced off after an awkward collision with Noussair Mazraoui.
Shortly after his exit, Morocco struck. Achraf Hakimi delivered a corner from the right, El Kaabi flicked a header toward goal, and the ball ricocheted off Diaz before crossing the line, calming an initially tense atmosphere inside the stadium.
The hosts continued to press and could have extended their lead before half-time, with both Abde Ezzalzouli and El Kaabi going close. Cameroon attempted to respond by altering their shape after the interval, switching to a 4-2-3-1 in search of attacking momentum.
Despite the tactical adjustment, Morocco remained on top. Ezzalzouli narrowly missed with a header from another Hakimi corner, while a dangerous delivery caused panic in the Cameroon penalty area before Samuel Kotto cleared off the line. Appeals for a penalty from Mbeumo were waved away by the referee, and moments later Saibari struck decisively in the 74th minute, controlling Ezzalzouli’s set-piece before firing home to confirm Morocco’s passage to the last four.
What you should know
Morocco’s victory reinforces their status as strong contenders for the Africa Cup of Nations title, especially with the advantage of home support.
Brahim Diaz has emerged as one of the tournament’s standout performers, scoring in every match so far and providing cutting edge in crucial moments. Cameroon, despite their pedigree, struggled to match Morocco’s intensity and creativity.
With tougher opponents awaiting in the semi-finals, the hosts will need to maintain focus and consistency as expectations continue to rise.
