Hosts Morocco continued their impressive Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 campaign with a controlled 2-0 victory over Cameroon in Friday’s quarter final clash at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with Brahim Diaz once again the standout performer.
The opening stages were lively as Morocco applied early pressure through a series of corners, while Cameroon showed their intent on the counter whenever space opened up. Cameroon suffered an early setback in the 24th minute when right back Tchamedeu was forced off injured and replaced by Dina Ebimbe. Just two minutes later, Morocco made their dominance count. After sustained pressure and repeated deliveries into the box, Brahim Diaz reacted quickest to knock El Kaabi’s header goalwards, opening the scoring and continuing his remarkable tournament form with a fifth goal in five matches.
Morocco nearly doubled their lead before the break as Abde Ezzalzouli cut inside and fired narrowly wide, while El Kaabi also went close on the counter in stoppage time, striking the side netting. At halftime, the hosts held a deserved advantage after an intense and high tempo first half.
The second period saw Cameroon attempt to grow into the contest, but Morocco remained composed. In the 62nd minute, the hosts came within inches of extending their lead through a chaotic goalmouth moment following a Hakimi cross, only for defender Kotto to clear the ball off the line in dramatic fashion. Moments later, Cameroon appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty when Bryan Mbeumo went down in the box, with the referee waving play on.
Cameroon’s best spell came midway through the half, and a corner in the 72nd minute nearly produced an equaliser, but Georges N’Koudou failed to connect in time at the back post. Their hopes were effectively ended two minutes later when Morocco struck again from a set piece. Diaz delivered a deep ball to Saibari, who controlled superbly before drilling a low finish into the far corner to make it 2-0.
The goal gave Morocco breathing space and allowed them to manage the closing stages with confidence. Despite Cameroon’s efforts, the Indomitable Lions were unable to find a way back into the contest as their AFCON journey came to an end.
The result marked a significant moment in the rivalry, with Morocco breaking Cameroon’s long-standing dominance in AFCON meetings against host nations. For the Atlas Lions, the win keeps alive their dream of lifting the AFCON trophy for the first time in 50 years. They now await the winner of the quarter final clash between Nigeria and Algeria as they prepare for a place in the final.
