Morocco confirmed their status as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations favorites with a commanding 2-0 victory over Cameroon at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Friday night, securing their place in the semi-finals while ending a 38-year hoodoo against the Indomitable Lions.
The victory was a direct answer to the heartbreak of 1988, the last time Morocco hosted the tournament, when the Indomitable Lions eliminated them at the semifinal stage.
Brahim Díaz was once again the architect of the victory, scoring the opening goal to become the first player in AFCON history to find the net in five consecutive matches within a single tournament.
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Walid Regragui made one change for the quarter-final clash compared to the side that edged past Tanzania in the Round of 16.Ismael Saibari was drafted into the midfield to provide extra energy in the absence of the injured Azzedine Ounahi.
Cameroon also adjusted their lineup following their physical battle with South Africa as coach David Pangou handed a start to young defender Mahamadou Nagida.
Morocco claw Cameroon to qualify for the semifinals
The breakthrough came in the 26th minute when Brahim Díaz continued his fine form in the tournament netting his fifth of the tournament.
Morocco won a corner on the right side, which was swung into a crowded penalty area.
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Ayoub El Kaabi rose to meet the delivery, connecting with a touch that directed the ball toward the goal mouth as Brahim Díaz reacted quickest pounced on the loose ball and directed into the leftcorner of the net, leaving Cameroon’s goalkeeper Devis Epassy with no chance to react.
The match proceeded to the break with the hosts holding a narrow but deserved 1-0 lead.
The second half saw Cameroon attempt to fight back, but their momentum was stalled when defender Che Malone was forced off with an injury.
Morocco took full advantage of the visitors’ defensive reshuffle, doubling their lead in the 73rd minute. Ismael Saibari latched onto a brilliant delivery from Abde Ezzalzouli following a free-kick, drilling a low shot into the bottom corner to effectively end the contest.
Morocco’s 2-0 victory marks their second semi-final appearance on home soil and sets up a clash against either Nigeria or Algeria in Rabat, while the Indomitable Lions exit the tournament.
This marks the first time in more than twenty years that Morocco have reached the Semifinal of the competition,the last time being in 2004 when they ended up as runners up.
The Atlas Lions will be hoping to break a five decade wait for send Africa Cup of Nations title and better still winning it on home soil.
Morocco vs Cameroon AFCON 2025 Quarter-finals lineups
- Morocco: Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi, Nayef Aguerd, Adam Masina, Noussair Mazraoui, Bilal El Khannouss, Neil El Aynaoui, Ismael Saibari, Brahim Díaz, Ayoub El Kaabi, Abde Ezzalzouli.
- Cameroon: Devis Epassy, Che Malone, Samuel Kotto, Nouhou Tolo, Mahamadou Nagida, Arthur Avom, Carlos Baleba, Junior Tchamadeu, Bryan Mbeumo, Christian Kofane, Danny Namaso