Host nation Morocco have qualified for the semifinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Cameroon 2–0 on Friday night in Rabat.
The quarterfinal clash was played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, where the Atlas Lions controlled the game and made their chances count.
Brahim Diaz gave Morocco the lead in the 26th minute after breaking through Cameroon’s defence. The Real Madrid midfielder has now scored in five straight matches at the tournament.
Cameroon struggled to cope with Morocco’s organised play and found it difficult to create clear chances. The Indomitable Lions thought they deserved a penalty in the second half after Bryan Mbeumo went down in the box, but the referee waved play on.
Morocco sealed the victory in the 74th minute when Ismael Saibari scored the second goal, ending any hopes of a comeback for Cameroon.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou had a quiet night, as Cameroon failed to register a single shot on target throughout the match.
Cameroon had finished second in their group behind Ivory Coast and knocked out South Africa in the round of 16, but they could not match Morocco’s discipline and efficiency.
Morocco had earlier topped Group A ahead of Mali and defeated Tanzania to reach the quarterfinals.
With the win, Morocco will now face the winner of Saturday’s quarterfinal between Nigeria and Algeria. The semifinal match will be played in Rabat on Wednesday.
Earlier on Friday, Senegal booked their place in the semifinals after edging Mali 1–0, while Egypt are set to face Ivory Coast in another quarterfinal fixture.
