AFCON 2025: Brahim Diaz shines as Morocco beat Cameroon to book semifinal place
Hosts Morocco booked their place in the semifinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a controlled 2-0 victory over Cameroon in Friday’s quarterfinal in Rabat.
Goals from Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari ensured the Atlas Lions stayed on course for a second continental title, delivering a performance built on structure, patience and execution.
Diaz maintains scoring streak as Morocco take control
Morocco asserted dominance early, monopolising possession and applying a high press that disrupted Cameroon’s rhythm.
The breakthrough arrived in the 26th minute when Brahim Diaz reacted sharply to Ayoub El Kaabi’s flicked header from a free-kick, bundling the ball home to continue his flawless scoring run.
The Real Madrid forward has now scored in all five AFCON matches, underlining his importance to Walid Regragui’s system.
Cameroon’s problems were compounded by an enforced early substitution, with Junior Tchamadeu withdrawn after suffering a knee injury following an awkward collision with Noussair Mazraoui.
Morocco continued to probe before the interval, while a penalty appeal involving Ez Abde was dismissed after a hard-fought brief VAR check.
Saibari seals win as Atlas Lions march on
Cameroon showed improved urgency after the restart and were briefly spared when Samuel Kotto produced a decisive goal-line clearance to deny Achraf Hakimi.
Frustration mounted for the Indomitable Lions as key officiating calls went against them, including a potential second booking for Bilal El Khannouss, who was later substituted.
Morocco eventually closed the game out in the 74th and minute. Another set piece proved decisive as Nayef Aguerd’s deft flick found Ismael Saibari, who controlled well before drilling a left-footed finish into the bottom corner, effectively ending the contest.
The victory sends Morocco into the semifinals, where they will face the winner of the quarterfinal showdown between Nigeria and Algeria in Marrakech on Saturday.
