Brahim Diaz of Morocco celebrates goal during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON quarter final match between Cameroon and Morocco at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco on 09 January 2025 ©Mohamed Bissar/BackpagePix
Friday Jan 09, 2026. 22:53
Morocco emerged as 2-0 winners over Cameroon in the second 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Friday night.
As a result, Atlas Lions will now take on either Algeria or Nigeria in a semi-final match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on January 14. The Indomitable Lions, on the other hand, were sent packing and they will be heading home after being eliminated from the tournament.
The Indomitable Lions, on the other hand, saw their dream of winning a sixth AFCON title this year fade away after being outclassed by the tournament hosts. Coach David Pagou’s side will now head back home and they are expected to play friendly matches in March 2026.
Tournament topscorer Brahim Diaz and Achraf Diaz became a constant threat to the Indomitable Lions’ defence from the first whistle. The duo was involved when the Atlas Lions took the lead four minutes before the half-hour mark after the Cameroonians’ poor marking was exposed..
Hakimi’s corner-kick found Ayoub El Kaabi, whose header was turned home from close range by Diaz for his fifth of the tournament and 13th international goal. Morocco were enjoying a 1-0 lead during the half-time break in Morocco’s capital city, Rabat and they had one foot in the semi-finals.
Cameroon played much better after the restart with coach David Pagou having introduced the lively Georges-Kévin Nkoudou in the 58th minute. However, the five-time African champions could not seriously test Yassine Bounou between the sticks with the hosts’ defence looking solid.
Nevertheless, the Atlas Lions were presented with a golden opportunity in the 75th minute and they made no mistake as they doubled their lead when Ismael Saibari netted his first goal of the tournament after being set up by Nayef Aguerd. Morocco then held on to secure a 2-0 win on the night.
Cameroon (0) 0
Morocco (1) 2 (Diaz 26′, Saibari 75′)
Morocco: Bounou – Achraf Hakimi, Nayef Aguerd, Adam Masina, Noussair Mazraoui, Bilal El Khannous (Amrabat 68′), Neil El Aynaoui, Ismael Saibari (Targhalline 86′), Brahim Díaz (Igamane 90′), Ayoub El Kaabi (En Nesyri 67′), Abde Ezzalzouli (Rahimi 86′)