AFCON: Morocco Overcome Cameroon to Move Into Semi-Finals | SportInsiderly

In front of a passionate home crowd, Morocco continued their dream run at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) by defeating Cameroon 2–0 in a high-stakes quarter-final clash on Friday night. The victory not only kept Morocco’s AFCON title ambitions alive but also marked a historic moment as the hosts reached the AFCON semi-finals for the first time in over two decades.

With goals from Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari, the Atlas Lions delivered a composed, disciplined, and confident performance at the iconic Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, delighting more than 64,000 fans.

🔗 Learn more about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on the official CAF website

Brahim Diaz Continues His Golden AFCON Run

Once again, the spotlight belonged to Brahim Diaz, whose remarkable tournament form shows no signs of slowing down. The Real Madrid winger scored his fifth goal in five matches, maintaining a perfect scoring record at this year’s AFCON.

The decisive moment arrived in the 26th minute when Achraf Hakimi’s corner was met by Ayoub El Kaabi at the near post. The header struck Diaz and crossed the line, sending the stadium into celebration.

🔗 Brahim Diaz profile: Real Madrid Official
🔗 Achraf Hakimi: Paris Saint-Germain
🔗 Ayoub El Kaabi: CAF Player Profile

That opening goal instantly settled Moroccan nerves and shifted the momentum firmly in the hosts’ favor.

Morocco’s Growing Confidence Under Walid Regragui

Since taking charge, Walid Regragui has transformed Morocco into one of Africa’s most disciplined and tactically mature teams. Following their historic 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-final run, expectations were sky-high — especially with the tournament being played on home soil.

🔗 Walid Regragui: FIFA Profile

Despite the pressure, Morocco showed composure, controlling possession and pressing intelligently. Regragui later described the win as “historic,” while reminding his players that the job is far from finished.

Cameroon Struggle to Find Their Rhythm

For Cameroon, this quarter-final proved a step too far. The five-time African champions, nicknamed the Indomitable Lions, entered the match hoping to frustrate the hosts and steal a surprise result.

However, Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo struggled to make an impact, and clear chances were few and far between.

🔗 Cameroon national team: CAF Profile
🔗 Bryan Mbeumo: Manchester United

An early injury to Jackson Tchamadeu, who was stretchered off after a heavy challenge involving Noussair Mazraoui, further disrupted Cameroon’s defensive shape.

Saibari Delivers the Knockout Blow

Morocco’s dominance was finally rewarded again in the 74th minute.

Midfielder Ismael Saibari, who plays for PSV Eindhoven, showed excellent control and composure as he collected a dead-ball delivery from Abde Ezzalzouli before firing past the goalkeeper to make it 2–0.

🔗 Ismael Saibari: PSV Eindhoven
🔗 Abde Ezzalzouli: CAF Profile

That second goal effectively ended Cameroon’s resistance and confirmed Morocco’s place in the AFCON semi-finals.

Tactical Breakdown: How Morocco Won

Morocco’s victory was built on more than just individual brilliance. Here’s a step-by-step look at what worked:

1. Early Control

Morocco dominated possession, forcing Cameroon into a defensive block.

2. Set-Piece Efficiency

With Hakimi’s delivery and El Kaabi’s movement, Morocco consistently threatened from corners.

3. Defensive Discipline

The back line remained compact, denying space to Cameroon’s attackers.

4. Game Management

Rather than sitting back, Morocco pushed for a second goal — and got it through Saibari.

This tactical maturity reflects why Morocco are currently Africa’s top-ranked team.

🔗 CAF Rankings: CAF Official Rankings

A Long-Awaited AFCON Milestone

This victory carries enormous historical significance:

• ✅ First AFCON semi-final since 2004

• ✅ Redemption after losing the 2004 AFCON final to Tunisia

• ✅ Revenge for the 1988 AFCON semi-final defeat to Cameroon

• ✅ Continued unbeaten run at the tournament

Morocco will now face the winner of Algeria vs Nigeria, setting up a mouth-watering semi-final showdown.

🔗 AFCON Fixtures & Results: CAF Match Centre

Why This Morocco Team Feels Different

Unlike past editions, this Moroccan side combines:

• World Cup experience

• Tactical discipline

• Mental strength under pressure

From Champions League-tested players to a coach who understands tournament football, this team looks built for moments like these.

Be Part of the AFCON Experience

AFCON is not just a tournament — it’s a celebration of African football culture.

To fully enjoy the journey:

• Watch matches via official AFCON broadcasters

• Support teams with authentic AFCON merchandise

• Follow trusted football coverage for accurate insights

🔗 Official AFCON Coverage & Merchandise: CAF Official

Supporting official platforms ensures you’re experiencing AFCON the right way — with quality, authenticity, and confidence.

Final Word

Morocco’s 2–0 win over Cameroon was a blend of belief, preparation, and execution. With Brahim Diaz in sensational form and Ismael Saibari stepping up at the right moment, the hosts march into the AFCON semi-finals with history within reach.

The dream is alive — and Morocco are ready for the next test.