Morocco booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Friday night, January 9, with a composed 2-0 win over Cameroon in Rabat.
Morocco’s win brought an end to the Indomitable Lions’ AFCON 2025 campaign and set up a potential heavyweight clash with the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
The quarter-final clash played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, saw the hosts take control early. A first-half header from Brahim Díaz and a second-half finish by Ismael Saibari sealed the result in front of a lively home crowd.
Morocco struck the decisive opening blow in the 26th minute. Díaz rose unmarked inside the box to glance home a header after a precise delivery from Ayoub El Kaabi, silencing Cameroon’s early momentum and giving the Atlas Lions a deserved lead.
Cameroon attempted to respond with greater urgency after the break, but clear chances proved hard to come by. Their evening was further complicated by injuries and a flurry of substitutions as they searched for inspiration. Despite enjoying spells of possession, the Indomitable Lions failed to register a single shot on target.
Morocco made their depth count midway through the second half. Fresh legs were introduced by coach Walid Regragui, including Youssef En-Nesyri and Sofyan Amrabat, as the hosts looked to kill off the tie.
The decisive moment arrived in the 74th minute when Saibari doubled the lead, calmly finishing after being teed up by Nayef Aguerd to put the result beyond doubt.
From that point on, Morocco managed the game with maturity, slowing the pace and soaking up Cameroon’s late pressure. Substitutions late on, including the withdrawal of Díaz to warm applause, allowed the hosts to see out the closing minutes without alarm.
The victory means Morocco now turn their attention to the semi-finals, where they could face the Super Eagles of Nigeria. That meeting will depend on the outcome of Saturday’s quarter-final between Nigeria and Algeria on January 10.
Should the Super Eagles progress, they will meet the tournament hosts on Wednesday, January 14, in what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of AFCON 2025.