Morocco finally produced a performance worthy of their status as tournament hosts, defeating Cameroon 2-1 in a tense quarter-final at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat. After four unconvincing displays, Walid Regragui's side showed the form that took them to the World Cup semi-finals two years ago, earning a last-four berth with a gritty, disciplined display.
Brahim Díaz opened the scoring in the first half, turning in Ayoub El Kaabi's header from a corner to give Morocco the lead. Cameroon, who had arrived at the tournament with lower expectations than usual after a chaotic buildup, struggled to contain the hosts' intensity and were fortunate to go into the break just one goal down. Ismael Saibari doubled Morocco's advantage with 16 minutes remaining, slamming home from a free-kick at the back post.
Cameroon pulled a goal back late on but could not find an equaliser, as Morocco held firm to secure a semi-final spot. The result was a relief for Regragui, who had been booed by his own fans during the last-16 win over Tanzania. 'I always say that we are a family,' he said. 'Even if many people don't believe in us or in me, that's OK. We play for the country and for the supporters who want to see Morocco at the top.'
Cameroon coach David Pagou, appointed after a dispute between the federation and sports ministry, refused to blame the late change of referee for the defeat. The Mauritanian official Dahane Beida took charge after Morocco protested against the appointment of Egyptian Amin Omar. 'We faced challenging circumstances,' Pagou said, 'but that is not why we lost.'
Morocco will now await the winner of the quarter-final between Mali and Ivory Coast as they seek a first Africa Cup of Nations title since 1976. With the 2030 World Cup co-hosting on the horizon, the pressure is on Regragui to deliver, but this performance suggested his team are finally finding their rhythm.
