Morocco Ends Cameroon’s AFCON 2025 Run Sets Sights on Nigeria in Semi-Final

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Morocco secured a spot in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a confident 2–0 victory over Cameroon on Friday night, January 9, in Rabat.

The win ended Cameroon’s AFCON 2025 campaign and positioned Morocco for a potential blockbuster semi-final showdown with the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The quarter-final match, played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, saw the hosts dictate the flow from the onset. Brahim Díaz opened the scoring with a first-half header, while Ismael Saibari added a second after the break, ensuring a celebratory night for the home fans.

Morocco took the lead in the 26th minute when Díaz escaped his marker and nodded in a well-placed cross from Ayoub El Kaabi. The goal shifted momentum firmly in Morocco’s favour and halted Cameroon’s early attempts to settle into the game.

After the interval, Cameroon tried to raise their intensity, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. However, they struggled to create clear opportunities and were further hampered by injuries and multiple substitutions. Despite spells of possession, the Indomitable Lions concluded the encounter without managing a single shot on target.

Midway through the second half, Morocco’s depth proved decisive. Coach Walid Regragui introduced fresh options, including Youssef En-Nesyri and Sofyan Amrabat, to maintain control and increase the pressure.

The hosts doubled their advantage in the 74th minute when Saibari finished clinically after receiving a well-timed pass from Nayef Aguerd, effectively sealing the contest.

From there, Morocco expertly managed the game, slowing the tempo and absorbing Cameroon’s late pushes. Díaz was substituted late on to loud applause as the home side maintained composure through the final stages.

With the victory secured, Morocco now shifts focus to the semi-finals. Their next opponent will be determined by the outcome of Saturday’s Nigeria vs. Algeria quarter-final on January 10.

If Nigeria advances, they will face the tournament hosts on Wednesday, January 14 — a match many fans are already anticipating as one of the highlights of AFCON 2025.