Hosts Morocco continued their impressive run at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday night, booking a place in the semi-finals with a composed 2-0 victory over Cameroon.
Brahim Díaz was once again the headline act, scoring for the fifth consecutive match of the tournament to inspire the Atlas Lions and keep alive their dream of lifting a first AFCON title in half a century.
The Real Madrid forward opened the scoring with a clinical finish, underlining his importance to the Moroccan side in front of a lively home crowd.
Ismael Saibari later doubled the advantage, capping another disciplined and efficient performance from Walid Regragui’s men, who prioritised control and defensive solidity over expansive attacking play.
Despite enjoying limited possession in dangerous areas, Morocco made the most of their opportunities, registering just three shots on target but converting two of them.
Their compact shape frustrated Cameroon for long periods, forcing the Indomitable Lions into speculative efforts and denying them clear-cut chances in the final third.
Cameroon thought they had a route back into the contest in the second half when Bryan Mbeumo went down in the penalty area under a challenge, but appeals for a spot-kick were waved away by the referee.
The five-time champions struggled to turn pressure into end product and failed to test goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who was largely untroubled throughout the 90 minutes.
Morocco will now turn their attention to a mouth-watering semi-final showdown against the winner of Saturday’s quarter-final clash between Algeria and Nigeria.
The decisive encounter is scheduled for Wednesday in Rabat, where the hosts will aim to take another step towards ending their long wait for continental glory.
