Hosts Morocco secured their place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a commanding and controlled 2-0 victory over Cameroon at a raucous stadium in Rabat, further strengthening belief that the Atlas Lions could finally end their long continental title drought.

Goals from Brahim Diaz in the first half and Ismael Saibari after the break were enough to see off an unusually subdued Cameroonian side, who struggled to cope with Morocco’s intensity, structure, and set-piece dominance in an ill-tempered quarter-final clash.

Diaz Continues Golden AFCON Run

Morocco struck first in the 26th minute, capitalising on sustained pressure and a series of dangerous set pieces. From a corner, Ayoub El Kaabi flicked the ball on at the near post, allowing Brahim Diaz to react quickest. Showing composure and awareness, the Real Madrid forward nudged the ball into the net with his thigh from close range.

The goal marked Diaz’s fifth of the tournament, underlining his importance to Walid Regragui’s side after also scoring three times in the group stage and netting the winner in the last-16 victory over Tanzania.

Saibari Seals the Win as Morocco Stay in Control

While Cameroon attempted to regroup after the interval, Morocco never looked in serious danger. The hosts maintained defensive discipline and patiently waited for their opportunity to strike again.

That moment arrived in the 74th minute, once again from a dead-ball situation. After Nayef Aguerd flicked on a free-kick beyond the far post, Ismael Saibari collected the loose ball, steadied himself, and drilled a low left-footed shot back across goal to make it 2-0 and effectively end the contest.

The PSV Eindhoven winger had been lively throughout and fully deserved his decisive contribution, ensuring Cameroon were kept at arm’s length for the remainder of the match.

Fortress Rabat Fuels Morocco’s Momentum

Played in a febrile, hostile atmosphere, the match evoked memories of the electric support Morocco enjoyed during their historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The 69,500-capacity stadium—upgraded ahead of Morocco’s role as a co-host of the 2030 World Cup—was awash with noise, thunderclaps, and whistles aimed at unsettling Cameroon whenever they had possession.

That intensity appeared to overwhelm Cameroon’s youthful side, particularly in the opening half, as Morocco’s high press forced errors and limited the Indomitable Lions to speculative clearances rather than structured attacks.

History Rewritten as Atlas Lions March On

Prior to this encounter, Morocco had never beaten Cameroon at an AFCON tournament in three previous attempts, with the last meeting dating back nearly 34 years. Cameroon’s five AFCON titles dwarfed Morocco’s lone triumph from 1976, but decades of investment in infrastructure, coaching, and player development have clearly shifted the balance of power.

Morocco are now unbeaten in 25 matches, a run stretching back to their last-16 exit at the 2023 AFCON. They have also reached the AFCON semi-finals for the first time since 2004, when they eventually lost to Tunisia in the final.

With two wins now separating them from a historic home triumph, belief is growing that this generation can deliver Morocco’s first continental crown in nearly 50 years.

Cameroon Fall Short as Morocco Look Ahead

Cameroon, who had beaten South Africa in the last 16 despite just 33% possession, failed to register a single shot on target. Their best chance came from substitute Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, whose glancing header from a corner lacked the power to trouble the Moroccan goal.

The visitors were further disrupted by an injury to wing-back Junior Tchamadeu, while frustrations boiled over with yellow cards and touchline scuffles adding to the tension.

For Morocco, another positive was the fitness of captain Achraf Hakimi, who completed 90 minutes for the second time since returning from injury—an encouraging sign ahead of the semi-finals.

Semi-Final Awaits at Familiar Fortress

The Atlas Lions will return to the same stadium on Wednesday (20:00 GMT) to face the winners of the quarter-final clash between Algeria and Nigeria. With home advantage, momentum, and a unified fan base behind them, Morocco will enter the semi-final as one of the clear favourites.

Whoever steps into Rabat next will know they are entering the lion’s den.