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RABAT, Morocco — Brahim Díaz has continued his remarkable streak by scoring in every round of the Africa Cup of Nations, with Ismael Saibari scoring the second goal, leading Morocco to a 2-0 win over Cameroon in Rabat on Friday.
This victory propels the Atlas Lions into the semifinals for the first time since their runner-up finish in 2004. They will return to the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday to face the winner of the match between Nigeria and Algeria, who are set to clash in Marrakesh on Saturday.
Representing Real Madrid, Díaz has been a standout player for Morocco since the tournament began, netting his fifth goal in five matches when he deflected a knock-down from Ayoub El Kaabi into the net in the 26th minute, rewarding Morocco’s dominating performance.
Saibari, who had faced criticism from fans and media throughout the tournament, doubled the lead in the 74th minute by responding to a header from Nayef Aguerd after a freekick, firing the ball home without a marker.
Morocco had an early penalty appeal dismissed just a minute into the match when Bilal El Khannouss was adjudged to have touched the ball against Samuel Kotto’s arm in the area, sparking a wave of support from the home crowd, who had been called upon by head coach Walid Regragui to bring more energy after a lackluster showing previously in the tournament.
Boos echoed through the stadium every time Cameroon maintained possession for long periods, while any foul against the Indomitable Lions drew loud disapproval from the crowd.
The management of David Pagou deserves significant praise for transforming a struggling team left by Marc Brys into a cohesive unit, especially after stepping in less than three weeks before the tournament began.
Abde Ezzalzouli, alongside several of his teammates, posed a constant threat throughout the game, notably having a freekick cleared by Christian Kofane early on. An enticing cross from the Real Betis winger required a dramatic clearance from Nouhou Tolo in the early minutes as the hosts sought to settle in.
Achraf Hakimi, making his second consecutive start, earned an early yellow card for Arthur Avom after being fouled just outside the box. His dynamic runs from central areas have significantly rejuvenated Morocco’s play as he returns to full fitness.
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Cameroon faced a blow in the 24th minute when Junior Tchamadeu had to leave the game in tears due to a potential knee injury. As they struggled to reorganize defensively, they conceded shortly after when El Kaabi set up Diaz, who slipped past Tolo and guided the ball past Devis Epassy from close range.
El Kaabi later assisted Ezzalzouli in the 37th minute, but the Spain-based winger’s curled shot went just inches wide of Epassy’s goal.
Morocco ended the first half with nearly 60 percent possession, having taken five shots compared to Cameroon’s two. The second half mirrored the first, with Ezzalzouli soaring to meet a corner but sending a powerful header over the bar.
After an hour, Kotto made a desperate clearance off the line after Saibari’s header from Hakimi’s cross was deflected, resulting in a collision with Epassy while still forcing a save.
Recognizing their need for urgency, Cameroon increased their attacking efforts, with Bryan Mbeumo becoming more active on Morocco’s left flank.
A corner from Mbeumo found substitute Georges-Kevin Nkoudou at the back post in the 71st minute, but his diving header missed the target. Just moments later, Saibari scored Morocco’s second goal.
Ezzalzouli delivered a precise ball to Aguerd, who headed it on to Saibari, completely unmarked, to slot home into Epassy’s net.
Despite leaving the tournament, Cameroon maintains dignity after overcoming a chaotic preparation, while Morocco, now reinvigorated after their past performances, has a significant opportunity to end their half-century wait for an African title.