Morocco kept their Africa Cup of Nations dream firmly alive on Friday night, producing a composed and authoritative performance to defeat Cameroon 2–0 and advance to the semi-finals of AFCON 2025 in Rabat.
In front of a packed and vocal Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the tournament hosts combined tactical discipline, intensity and clinical execution to bring an end to Cameroon’s campaign and underline their growing belief that this could be their moment on the continental stage.
Brahim Díaz once again proved decisive, opening the scoring in the 26th minute with his fifth goal of the tournament.
Morocco’s early dominance was built around sustained pressure and set-piece efficiency, and it was from a corner that the breakthrough arrived. Ayoub El Kaabi flicked on a delivery from captain Achraf Hakimi, allowing Díaz to guide the ball home from close range and ignite celebrations in the stands.
The goal capped a relentless opening spell by the Atlas Lions, who pinned Cameroon deep and forced a succession of corners. Díaz’s strike also carried historical significance, making him only the second player in AFCON history to score in five consecutive matches.
Cameroon, five-time African champions, struggled to impose themselves in the first half. While they showed physical presence and experience, their attacking play lacked precision, and clear chances were few and far between. Morocco’s compact defensive shape and high pressing limited
space and forced the Indomitable Lions into hopeful deliveries from wide areas.
After the break, Cameroon emerged with greater urgency, attempting to shift momentum through quicker ball circulation and set pieces.
Their best opportunity fell to Georges-Kevin N’Koudou, whose diving header from a corner narrowly missed the target. However, Morocco remained composed, absorbing pressure before reasserting control.
The decisive moment arrived in the 74th minute. From a free-kick delivered by Abde Ezzalzouli, Nayef Aguerd’s clever touch found Ismail Saibari unmarked at the back post, and the midfielder calmly swept a low finish into the corner to make it 2–0 and effectively end Cameroon’s resistance.
From there, Morocco managed the game with maturity, keeping possession, slowing the tempo and denying Cameroon any route back into the contest. The final whistle confirmed a significant result — not only progression to the semi-finals, but also a rare AFCON victory over a long-standing nemesis.
It was Morocco’s first win over Cameroon at the tournament and only their third in 13 meetings across all competitions.
Speaking after the match, Ismail Saibari, named TotalEnergies Man of the Match, praised the collective effort and the role of the home supporters.
“It was a very tough match with a lot of intensity. Defensively we were strong, and in attack we managed to score two goals. We are fighting together to win the title. Our fans were incredible and pushed us all the way.”
Cameroon head coach David Pagou took positives despite elimination, pointing to the promise shown by his young squad.
“We competed well and leave the tournament with our heads held high. The second goal decided the match, but overall I am satisfied. Many of our players are gaining experience at this level, and the future is bright.”
Morocco coach Walid Regragui hailed both his players and the supporters, while urging humility ahead of the semi-finals.
“It felt like we were playing with 12 players. Qualification is deserved, and the players earned it. We must remain humble because every opponent wants to beat us. Since 2004, Morocco had not reached this stage, and now we want to write history.”
With confidence growing and belief surging among the home crowd, Morocco march into the semi-finals having ended Cameroon’s dream — and strengthened their own pursuit of continental glory.
