Morocco produced their finest performance of the tournament to overcome five-time champions Cameroon 2-0 before a raucous crowd of over 64,000 supporters in Rabat, reaching the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals for the first time in 22 years.
Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz continued his sensational tournament form, opening the scoring in the 26th minute to become the first Moroccan player to score in five consecutive AFCON matches. The diminutive playmaker has been the standout performer of the competition, terrorising defences with his pace and precision.
PSV Eindhoven midfielder Ismael Saibari doubled the advantage in the 74th minute, meeting Nayef Aguerd’s header unmarked to fire home and send the home supporters into raptures at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The victory was particularly sweet for Morocco, who progressed to the semi-finals for the first time since their runners-up finish in 2004. It also represented a rare triumph over Cameroon, against whom they had never previously won at the AFCON finals across three meetings dating back to 1986.
The Indomitable Lions, seeking a record-extending sixth continental crown, struggled to cope with Morocco’s intensity and the atmosphere created by the partisan crowd. Cameroon coach David Pagou acknowledged after the match the impact of Morocco’s supporters, describing them as “the 12th man on the field”.
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi, returning from injury, orchestrated proceedings from right-back as the Atlas Lions dominated throughout. The hosts are now just two matches away from ending a 50-year wait for their second continental title, having last triumphed in 1976.
The Atlas Lions will face either Nigeria or Algeria in Wednesday’s semi-final in Rabat, with the backing of their fervent home support once again expected to play a crucial role.
