Brahim Diaz continued his outstanding Africa Cup of Nations form as hosts Morocco defeated Cameroon 2-0 in their quarter-final clash on Friday, keeping their title hopes firmly on track.
Watching the game closely through live broadcast, tactical replays, and match data dashboards, Morocco’s control and composure stood out from the opening exchanges.
Real Madrid winger Diaz played a key role in the opener, getting the decisive touch to Ayoub El Kaabi’s header in the 26th minute. The goal came in front of more than 64,000 supporters at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
That strike marked Diaz’s fifth goal in five matches at the tournament, underlining his importance to Walid Regragui’s side.
Morocco doubled their advantage in the second half through Ismael Saibari, sealing a deserved victory that sends the hosts into the semi-finals. They will now face the winner of Saturday’s quarter-final between Nigeria and Algeria.
Based on match flow statistics and possession trends, this was a far more comfortable outing for Morocco than the scoreline alone suggests.
Cameroon, who had already exceeded expectations after a difficult build-up to the tournament, struggled to trouble the hosts. The Indomitable Lions created few clear chances, with Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo finding little space to operate.
Morocco, Africa’s top-ranked side and 2022 World Cup semi-finalists, are under intense pressure to lift the trophy on home soil. It has been 50 years since their last AFCON triumph, and expectations remain high.
There were questions heading into the tournament about whether they could handle that pressure. For now, results suggest they are responding well. This is Morocco’s first AFCON semi-final appearance since their 2004 final defeat to Tunisia.
Regragui named an unchanged starting XI from the narrow last-16 victory over Tanzania, as Morocco extended their unbeaten run since losing to South Africa at the 2024 AFCON.
Cameroon, fresh from eliminating South Africa in the previous round, set up to frustrate the hosts and quieten the home crowd. That approach was disrupted early.
Right wing-back Jackson Tchamadeu was forced off after injuring his knee in a heavy collision with Noussair Mazraoui, a setback that unsettled Cameroon’s defensive structure.
Moments later, Morocco struck. Achraf Hakimi delivered a corner from the right, El Kaabi flicked it on at the near post, and the ball deflected off Diaz before crossing the line.
The goal eased nerves inside the stadium, with Morocco pushing for more before half-time through Abde Ezzalzouli and El Kaabi.
Cameroon adjusted tactically after the break, switching from a back three to a 4-2-3-1 in search of greater attacking threat.
Morocco remained on top. Ezzalzouli headed narrowly over from another Hakimi corner, while a dangerous cross from the Paris Saint-Germain defender forced Samuel Kotto into a goal-line clearance.
Cameroon appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty after Mbeumo went down in the box, but their hopes were effectively ended in the 74th minute.
Saibari controlled Ezzalzouli’s dead-ball delivery before firing home the second goal, confirming Morocco’s place in Wednesday’s semi-final and keeping their dream of continental glory alive.
