In a commanding display befitting their status as both tournament hosts and continental heavyweights, Morocco secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Cameroon at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, advancing to the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 semifinals.
The Atlas Lions, with goals from Brahim Díaz and Ismael Saibari, extinguished Cameroon’s hopes and controlled the quarterfinal match from start to finish.
The home side established their dominance early, putting the Cameroon defense under consistent pressure. The breakthrough came in the 26th minute when a headed effort from Ayoub El Kaabi found Brahim Díaz, who deflected the ball into the net to give Morocco a deserved lead.
The Indomitable Lions struggled to mount a meaningful response, failing to create serious danger for goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Morocco sealed their place in the final four in the 73rd minute. Following a corner kick, Ismael Saibari found himself unmarked and fired a powerful shot past Cameroon’s goalkeeper, effectively deciding the contest.
With the result beyond doubt, Morocco managed the game professionally through to the final whistle, their solid defending preventing any late drama. The victory marks a significant step for Morocco, sending them to the AFCON semifinals for the first time since 2004.
The result compounds a period of profound disappointment for Cameroonian football. The team’s exit from AFCON follows the heartbreak of failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, an event they have missed only three times since their 1982 debut.
Cameroon finished second in their World Cup qualification group behind Cape Verde, a placement that sent them to a continental playoff, where they suffered a last-minute 1-0 defeat to DR Congo just months before this AFCON tournament.
For Morocco, the journey continues as they prepare for a semifinal clash on January 14th against the winner of the match between Algeria and Nigeria.
Playing in front of their fervent home support and with the confidence of this comprehensive win, the Atlas Lions will believe they are firmly on course to claim the continental crown.