Rabat roars as Morocco outclass Cameroon in AFCON quarter-final

Morocco stormed into the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations on Friday night, defeating five-time champions Cameroon 2-0 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

The Atlas Lions’ commanding performance came on the heels of Senegal’s narrow 1-0 victory over Mali in Tangier, setting up a tantalising last-four lineup.

Backed by a fervent home crowd under the Rabat floodlights, Walid Regragui’s side produced their most polished display of the tournament. After criticism for their sluggish Round of 16 win against Tanzania, Morocco responded with intensity and precision—pressing high, circulating the ball with purpose, and forcing Cameroon onto the back foot.

The breakthrough arrived midway through the opening half. Achraf Hakimi’s curling corner unsettled the Cameroonian defence, Ayoub El Kaabi flicked it on, and Brahim Díaz instinctively steered the ball in with his thigh. The stadium erupted as Díaz equalled a historic record, becoming only the second player to score in five consecutive AFCON matches, a feat last achieved by Ghana legend Osei Kofi.

Morocco nearly doubled their advantage before halftime when Abde Ezzalzouli released El Kaabi on the counter, but the striker’s effort whistled just wide.

Cameroon emerged stronger after the interval, pushing higher and threatening through Georges-Kevin N’Koudou’s diving header, which narrowly missed the target. Yet Morocco’s defensive organisation held firm, denying the Indomitable Lions clear openings.

The decisive blow came in the 74th minute. Ezzalzouli’s free-kick was deftly redirected by Nayef Aguerd, setting up Ismail Saibari at the far post. The midfielder calmly slotted home to seal Morocco’s victory.

From there, the hosts expertly managed the tempo, closing out the contest with composure and breaking their long-standing AFCON curse against Cameroon.

The result not only secured Morocco’s semi-final berth but also underlined their credentials as serious contenders for a second continental crown. They now await the winner of the Algeria–Nigeria quarter-final clash