Morocco Edges Out Cameroon in AFCON Quarterfinals Behind Brahim Diaz's Brilliance
In a workmanlike display, Morocco edged out Cameroon 2-0 in their quarterfinal clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday. The hosts' win keeps alive their hopes of a first continental title in 50 years.
Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz scored for the fifth game in a row, netting from close range after Ayoub El Kaabi's headed goal towards him in the 26th minute. Diaz has now become the Moroccan player with the most goals at a single Cup of Nations finals, extending his record.
Morocco controlled possession but struggled to create clear chances, with their only shots on target coming from two corners kicked by Achraf Hakimi. The hosts were efficient enough to kill off the contest, and Ismael Saibari sealed the win with a low shot into the far corner in the 63rd minute after being left unmarked at the back post.
Despite struggling to create chances, Morocco's defense held firm, keeping their clean sheet intact. Cameroon had a strong shout for a penalty after a foul on Bryan Mbeumo in the second half, but could not force a save from goalkeeper Yassine Bounou in the 90 minutes.
Morocco will face the winner of Saturday's third quarterfinal between Algeria and Nigeria in the next round, which will be played in Rabat on Wednesday. With this win, the hosts have shown they are capable of producing big performances on the biggest stage. However, Brahim Diaz's injury concern, leaving him with a heavily strapped thigh, could pose a threat to their progress in the tournament.
In a workmanlike display, Morocco edged out Cameroon 2-0 in their quarterfinal clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday. The hosts' win keeps alive their hopes of a first continental title in 50 years.
Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz scored for the fifth game in a row, netting from close range after Ayoub El Kaabi's headed goal towards him in the 26th minute. Diaz has now become the Moroccan player with the most goals at a single Cup of Nations finals, extending his record.
Morocco controlled possession but struggled to create clear chances, with their only shots on target coming from two corners kicked by Achraf Hakimi. The hosts were efficient enough to kill off the contest, and Ismael Saibari sealed the win with a low shot into the far corner in the 63rd minute after being left unmarked at the back post.
Despite struggling to create chances, Morocco's defense held firm, keeping their clean sheet intact. Cameroon had a strong shout for a penalty after a foul on Bryan Mbeumo in the second half, but could not force a save from goalkeeper Yassine Bounou in the 90 minutes.
Morocco will face the winner of Saturday's third quarterfinal between Algeria and Nigeria in the next round, which will be played in Rabat on Wednesday. With this win, the hosts have shown they are capable of producing big performances on the biggest stage. However, Brahim Diaz's injury concern, leaving him with a heavily strapped thigh, could pose a threat to their progress in the tournament.
they were solid as a rock! 
and brahim diaz is on fire 
i hope he stays healthy tho... 50 years without an afcon title, wow what a story 
. I mean, Brahim Diaz is definitely the star of this tournament but his injury concern is a major worry 
. Cameroon was pretty solid defensively but couldn't capitalize on their own chances. They're still in the competition so let's see what they can do in the next round 
he's been on fire but now I'm worried about his injury 
it can't be good for Morocco if he's not 100% fit 
I get that he's a superstar player and all, but they need to be prepared for the worst case scenario... Cameroon was really pushing them to try and score and I was like "come on guys, stay focused" 
just watched morocco take down cameroon 2-0 in afcon qtrs and brahim diaz is on FIRE 
5 goals in a row wow he's breaking records left & right but gotta keep an eye on that injury tho 
I'm so over these tournaments! They just remind me that everyone's gotta travel half way across the world for a bunch of games... Like, can't we just watch them on TV like normal people? 
Anyway, Brahim Diaz is literally unstoppable right now 
2-0 down and he still manages to score two goals. The Moroccan team must be so proud of him