AFCON 2025: Morocco Defeat Cameroon, Set Up Potential Semi Final Clash With Super Eagles

AFCON 2025: Morocco Defeat Cameroon, Set Up Potential Semi Final Clash With Super Eagles
Goals from Brahim Díaz and Ismael Saibari sealed a dominant home victory.
Morocco may face Nigeria pending the Super Eagles’ quarter final result.

Morocco secured a place in the semi finals of the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations on Friday night, January 9, following a controlled 2 0 victory over Cameroon in Rabat.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the result ended Cameroon’s AFCON 2025 campaign and moved the Atlas Lions a step closer to continental glory, while also opening the door to a possible heavyweight semi final clash with Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

The quarter final encounter at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium saw the hosts assert their dominance early, feeding off the energy of a vocal home crowd. Morocco broke the deadlock in the 26th minute when Brahim Díaz rose unchallenged inside the penalty area to head home a precise cross from Ayoub El Kaabi.

Cameroon attempted to rally after conceding but struggled to create meaningful opportunities. Despite enjoying periods of possession, the Indomitable Lions failed to register a single shot on target throughout the contest.

The visitors’ hopes of a comeback faded further in the second half as injuries and tactical changes disrupted their rhythm. Morocco, by contrast, managed the game with composure and discipline, limiting Cameroon to speculative efforts.

Head coach Walid Regragui turned to his bench midway through the second half, introducing Youssef En Nesyri and Sofyan Amrabat to maintain intensity and control. The substitutions paid off in the 74th minute when Ismael Saibari doubled Morocco’s advantage, finishing calmly after being set up by Nayef Aguerd.

With a two goal cushion, Morocco slowed the tempo and dictated proceedings, absorbing late pressure without panic. Díaz was withdrawn to a standing ovation as the hosts comfortably saw out the closing stages.

The victory sends Morocco into the semi finals, where they could face the Super Eagles of Nigeria. That matchup will depend on the outcome of Saturday’s quarter final between Nigeria and Algeria on January 10.

If Nigeria advance, the semi final showdown with the tournament hosts will take place on Wednesday, January 14, and is expected to be one of the standout fixtures of AFCON 2025.