Morocco, Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) 2025 hosts, have clinched their spot in the semi finals of the tournament after a fine 2-0 triumph over Cameroon in the quarter final match on Friday 9 January, 2026 in the city of Rabat.
It was a dominant display from the Atlas Lions against the Indomitable Lions as both goals scored in each half were enough to oust the sloppy West African side.
Real Madrid attacking midfielder, Brahim Diaz, opened the scoring for Morocco in the 26th minute after hitting the back of the post from close range, utilizing Ayoub El Kaabi’s flick on from a corner.
Ismael Saibari then sealed the victory in the 74th minute from a set piece, smashing home a low left-footed drive after capitalizing on a loose ball from a free-kick.
Head Coach, Walid Regragui’s Morocco never looked in real danger all through the showdown; and are now going to work harder as they are just two (2) clashes away from the AFCON title, which they last lifted in 1976.
The North African side are now in the semi final of the continental tournament for the first time since 2004, when they headed on to lose in the final to neighbours, Tunisia.
Morocco will return to Rabat to face whoever wins in the quarter final match between Algeria and Nigeria.
The match between Algeria and Nigeria will take place on Saturday 10 January, 2026 at 17:00 (WAT) at Marrakesh Stadium.
Heading into the match, Morocco had never emerged victorious against Cameroon at an AFCON in three past attempts.
Cameroon have won the AFCON title a record five (5) times, while, Morocco last won the title fifty (50) years ago.
Following the win, fans of Morocco inside the upgraded 69,500 capacity Stadium in Rabat celebrated the Atlas Lions for their dominant performance against the Indomitable Lions; the Rabat Stadium will be used to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The 2030 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by Morocco, Portugal and Spain. It will be the first World Cup hosted in North Africa and the best anywhere else in Africa since 2010
Efforts launched by El Kaabi and Abde Ezzalzouli hit the side of the net, while, Cameroon lost right wing-back Junior Tchamadeu to injury.
