AFCON: Díaz Strikes Again As Morocco Overpower Cameroon To Reach Semifinals

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By Sedara Philip

Hosts Morocco booked their place in the semifinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a commanding 2–0 victory over Cameroon on Friday night at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Brahim Díaz once again proved decisive, opening the scoring inside the first half hour before Ismael Saibari sealed the win in the second half to send the Atlas Lions into the last four of the tournament.

Morocco started on the front foot, pressing aggressively and dominating possession as they pinned Cameroon deep in their own half. While the early pressure did not immediately translate into clear chances, the hosts eventually made their dominance count.

The breakthrough arrived in the 26th minute from a well-worked set piece. Achraf Hakimi’s corner was met by Ayoub El Kaabi, whose glancing header dropped invitingly at the far post. Díaz reacted quickest, timing his run perfectly to prod the ball home from close range. The Real Madrid forward has now scored in all five of Morocco’s matches at the tournament, tightening his grip on the top scorer’s chart.

Cameroon struggled to gain momentum in the first half, failing to seriously test goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi as Morocco continued to control the tempo. The Indomitable Lions showed greater intent after the restart, pushing higher up the pitch and attempting to stretch the Moroccan defense.

Despite Cameroon’s improved display, Morocco remained composed and dangerous in attack, with Díaz and Abde Ezzalzouli leading the charge and keeping the pressure on the Cameroonian back line.

The decisive second goal arrived in the 74th minute, once again from a set piece. Ezzalzouli delivered a dangerous free kick from the right flank, which sailed beyond the far post to Saibari. The midfielder brought the ball under control before firing a powerful low shot past Devis Epassy to effectively end Cameroon’s resistance.

It was a tactically disciplined and professional performance from the North Africans, who continue to impress on home soil. Remarkably, Morocco are yet to concede a goal from open play at the tournament.

The Atlas Lions will now await the winner of Saturday’s quarterfinal clash between Nigeria and Algeria, with their semifinal showdown scheduled for Wednesday in Rabat. With confidence high and momentum firmly on their side, Morocco head into the next round believing this could be their moment.