Host nation Morocco secured a spot in the semifinals of the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations on Friday with a 2–0 win over Cameroon at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Brahim Diaz struck in the first half to maintain his fine scoring run at the competition, while Ismael Saibari added a second goal in the latter stages to complete the victory for the Atlas Lions.
Morocco asserted their dominance early and were rewarded in the 26th minute when Diaz pierced Cameroon’s defence to put the hosts ahead, marking his fifth straight game on the scoresheet at the tournament.
Cameroon, who had finished runners-up in their group behind Ivory Coast and knocked out South Africa in the round of 16, found it difficult to penetrate Morocco’s well-organised defence. The Indomitable Lions appealed strongly for a penalty in the second half after Bryan Mbeumo went down under a challenge, but the referee allowed play to continue.
While Morocco did not create many clear-cut opportunities, they made the most of those they had. Saibari extended the lead in the 74th minute to effectively seal the outcome.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou enjoyed a quiet evening as Cameroon failed to manage a single shot on target during the match.
Having topped Group A ahead of Mali and beaten Tanzania in the round of 16, Morocco will now take on the winner of Saturday’s quarterfinal between Nigeria and Algeria. The semifinal showdown is set for Wednesday in Rabat.
Earlier on Friday, Senegal booked their place in the semifinals with a narrow 1–0 victory over Mali in the day’s first quarterfinal, while Egypt are scheduled to face Ivory Coast in another last-eight clash.
