Morocco secured a place in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals with a 2-0 win over Cameroon in a tense quarter-final clash. The hosts, who have struggled to find their rhythm earlier in the tournament, produced a more convincing performance at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat.
Brahim Díaz opened the scoring in the first half, turning in a header from Ayoub El Kaabi at the back post after a corner. The goal came from Morocco's sixth corner of the game, reflecting their early dominance. Ismael Saibari doubled the lead with 16 minutes remaining, slamming home after a free-kick fell to him at the back post.
Morocco coach Walid Regragui praised his side's display, describing it as their best first half since a friendly win over Brazil in October. The team had faced criticism for cautious football despite a strong record under Regragui, who has lost only four of his 46 matches in charge before this game.
Cameroon, who arrived at the tournament amid a chaotic buildup with rival coaches submitting squad lists, performed better than expected but were overwhelmed by Morocco's pace and aggression. Referee Dahane Beida, appointed after protests from the Moroccan federation, was a point of contention for Cameroon, but coach David Pagou refused to blame him, citing only 'challenging' circumstances.
Morocco will now await the winner of the quarter-final between Ivory Coast and Senegal as they aim to win the Cup of Nations for the first time since 1976.
