Morocco Roar Past Cameroon, Await Algeria or Nigeria in Rabat
The Atlas Lions stormed into the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 with a commanding 2-0 victory over Cameroon at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Friday night.
Goals from Brahim Díaz and Ismail Saibari sealed Morocco’s triumph, setting up a mouthwatering last-four clash against the winner of Saturday’s quarterfinal between Algeria and Nigeria.
The hosts, under pressure after a nervy Round of 16 win over Tanzania, responded with authority and intensity in front of a sold-out home crowd. Morocco pressed high from the start, dominating possession and pinning Cameroon deep.
Their relentless approach paid off in the 26th minute when Díaz struck his fifth goal of the tournament, guiding Ayoub El Kaabi’s flicked header into the net from Achraf Hakimi’s corner.
The Real Madrid forward’s strike was historic, making him only the second player in AFCON history, after Ghana’s Osei Kofi in 1968, to score in five consecutive matches.
Cameroon attempted to rally after the break but found little joy against Morocco’s disciplined backline. Their best chance came from Georges-Kevin N’Koudou’s diving header, which missed the target.
With 15 minutes left, Morocco delivered the killer blow. Nayef Aguerd’s clever touch from an Abde Ezzalzouli free-kick set up Saibari, who calmly swept home at the back post to spark wild celebrations.
The victory was Morocco’s first-ever AFCON win over Cameroon, ending a hoodoo that stretched across three previous tournament meetings. It also marked just their third victory over the Indomitable Lions in 13 encounters across all competitions.
