Brahim Diaz continued his hot streak at the 2025 AFCON tournament with another goal as Morocco battled to a 2-0 win over Cameroon in their quarterfinal clash, SportPremi Reports.
The Real Madrid forward opened scoring in the first half, before Ismael Saibari added a second goal in the second 45 minutes as the Atlas Lions booked their spot in the last four of the competition.
It marked their first semifinal appearance at the African Cup of Nations since 2004, ending a 22-year jinx.
First half: Diaz puts Morocco ahead in dominant performance
Morocco were hoping for another victory to reach the last four of their home tournament, while Cameroon were also eyeing an extended run at the tournament.
The quarterfinal tie started with both sides taking cautious approach to the game, although the home side were the better side.
They grabbed a deserved lead in the 26th minute through their main man Brahim Diaz, who scored for a fifth consecutive match after he turned in a goal-bound header from Ayoub El Kaabi.
It was his fifth goal at the tournament and he became the first player since Osei Kofi (1968) to score in all first 5 AFCON games.
The Atlas Lions were denied a penalty kick after contact by Ebimbe on Ezzalzouli was deemed not enough by the center referee, as the first half ended with the host nations one goal up.
Second half: Saibari adds second to cap win for Morocco
Morocco had an effort cleared off the line in the second half with both teams creating very little goalscoring opportunities.
It was the Atlas Lions who doubled their advantage in the 73rd minute as Ismael Saibari fired in a left-footed shot after a freekick from Ezzalzouli was flicked on by Aguerd.
The game ended 2-0 in favour of the hosts, who advanced to the next stage while Cameroon crash out of the competition.
Players Ratings:
Cameroon Players Ratings
- Epassy – 6.7/10
- Malone – 6.5/10
- Kotto – 6.1/10
- Tolo – 6.5/10
- Tchamadeu – 5.9/10
- Avom – 7.1/10
- Baleba – 6.3/10
- Namaso – 5.8/10
- Nagida – 7.4/10
- Kofane – 5.4/10
- Mbeumo – 5.4/10
Substitutes
- Ebimbe – 5.9/10
- N’Koudou – 6.5/10
- Onana – 6.2/10
- Eyong – 5.8/10
- Magri – 6.0/10
Morocco Players Ratings
- Bounou – 7.3/10
- Mazraoui – 7.4/10
- Masina – 7.3/10
- Aguerd – 8.2/10
- Hakimi – 7.7/10
- Saibari – 7.7/10
- El Aynaoui – 7.3/10
- El Khannouss – 7.2/10
- Ezzalzouli – 7.7/10
- Diaz – 7.4/10
- El Kaabi – 6.9/10
Substitutes
- En-Nesyri – 6.3/10
- Amrabat – 6.2/10
- Targhalline – 6.0/10
- Rahimi – n/a
- Igamane – n/a
Key Stats
Ball Possession: Cameroon 59% – 41% Morocco
Total Shots: Cameroon 4 – 9 Morocco
Shots on target: Cameroon 0 – 3 Morocco
Pass Accuracy: Cameroon 78% – 70% Morocco
Corners: Cameroon 4 – 7 Morocco
What Next?
Morocco will now face the winner of the quarterfinal clash between Algeria and Nigeria in their semifinal clash as they hope to win their second AFCON crown.
