, after a commanding 2-0 victory over Cameroon.){kind=link}
Hosts Morocco marched into the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), after a commanding 2-0 victory over Cameroon, on Friday night at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Coming into the quarter-final under pressure following an unconvincing Round of 16 win over Tanzania, the hosts responded in emphatic fashion. Their early dominance was rewarded in the 26th minute, when Brahim Díaz struck for the fifth time in Rabat.
The Real Madrid forward showed sharp instincts, deftly guiding the ball into the net with his thigh after Ayoub El Kaabi flicked on a corner delivered by skipper Achraf Hakimi.
Cameroon emerged from the break with renewed energy and greater attacking intent, but they found little joy against a disciplined and well-organised Moroccan backline.
With a quarter of an hour left, Morocco delivered the decisive blow. From an Ezzalzouli free-kick, Nayef Aguerd’s clever touch found Ismail Saibari unmarked at the back post, and the midfielder found the net to ignite wild celebrations in the stands.
At 2-0 up, with the stadium reverberating to the sound of belief and expectation, Morocco were in full control. Cameroon could not find a response, their hopes of reaching the semi-finals fading as the hosts closed out a famous night in Rabat with authority and composure.
The victory ended a long-standing hoodoo against Cameroon. Morocco had never beaten the Indomitable Lions at AFCON in their previous three meetings and this marked just their third victory over Cameroon in 13 encounters across all competitions.
“I want to thank the players and the fans,” Morocco head coach Walid Regragui said.“It truly felt like we were playing with 12 players on the pitch. Qualifying for the semi-finals is well deserved, and the players earned it.”
“I congratulate Cameroon for a strong performance and their coach for his good work. Our players gave everything, and when they stay focused, things go well. I am very happy with what they showed.”