AFCON 2025: Morocco Reach Semi-Finals After Dominant 2–0 Win Over Cameroon

Morocco booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a convincing 2–0 victory over Cameroon on Friday night at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with Brahim Diaz once again playing a decisive role.

For this highly anticipated quarter-final clash, the Atlas Lions lined up in a 4-1-2-3 formation, unchanged from the round-of-16 win against Tanzania, while the Indomitable Lions opted for a 3-5-2 system led by Kofane and Mbeumo in attack.

There was no period of observation as Morocco immediately pressed high and imposed their rhythm. Inside the opening minutes, the hosts appealed for a handball in the Cameroonian box, but the referee waved play on.

Walid Regragui’s men continued to push forward with intensity, forcing Cameroon into deep defensive positions. Despite brief resistance, the visitors struggled to cope with Morocco’s high pressing and fluid wing play.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 26th minute following a corner kick. Youssef En-Nesyri El Kaabi’s header was deflected into the net by Brahim Diaz, who scored his fifth goal in as many matches at this AFCON, confirming his status as one of the tournament’s standout performers.

With more than 63 percent possession midway through the first half, Morocco tightened their grip on the game, while Cameroon relied mainly on hopeful crosses toward isolated forwards. A powerful strike from Ez Abde Ezzalzouli narrowly missed the target as Morocco pushed for a second goal.

After the break, the Atlas Lions briefly managed the tempo before resuming their pressure. Cameroon found it difficult to escape their own half, stifled by relentless Moroccan pressing.

In the 62nd minute, Achraf Hakimi delivered a perfectly weighted low cross after a sublime pass from Bilal El Khannouss, but goalkeeper Devis Epassy denied Ismael Saibari at point-blank range.

Cameroon showed flashes of improvement midway through the second half, with Nkoudou narrowly missing the target from a corner in the 72nd minute. However, Morocco quickly reasserted control.

The decisive blow came in the 74th minute when Ismael Saibari doubled the lead with Morocco’s second shot on target, once again capitalising on a set-piece situation.

Despite late substitutions from both coaches, the scoreline remained unchanged. Morocco now advance to the semi-finals, where they will face the winner of Saturday’s quarter-final between Algeria and Nigeria.