Morocco March On as Díaz Extends AFCON Scoring Streak
Díaz delivers again in Rabat
Morocco continued their Africa Cup of Nations charge with a composed 2-0 victory over Cameroon in Rabat, booking a place in the quarterfinals and keeping belief alive of a first continental title in more than 50 years.
Brahim Díaz was once again the catalyst. The Real Madrid forward scored for the fifth consecutive match at this tournament, opening the scoring after 26 minutes when he reacted quickest to Ayoub El Kaabi’s knock-down from an Achraf Hakimi corner, diverting the ball past Devis Epassy from close range.
Atlas Lions dominate early exchanges
The hosts set the tone almost immediately, appealing unsuccessfully for a penalty inside the opening minute when Bilal El Khannouss lifted the ball onto Samuel Kotto’s arm in the area. Backed by a raucous home crowd in Rabat, Morocco controlled possession and pressed Cameroon into deep defensive positions.
Abde Ezzalzouli was a constant threat on the left, while Hakimi’s energy and movement from deeper areas caused repeated problems as he continues his return to full fitness. Cameroon were dealt a further blow midway through the first half when Junior Tchamadeu was forced off in tears with a knee injury, disrupting their defensive structure at a crucial moment.
Cameroon fight but Morocco stay in control
Morocco went into halftime with a deserved lead and maintained the same rhythm after the break. Ezzalzouli and Saibari both went close as the Atlas Lions pushed for a second goal to kill the contest.
Cameroon briefly threatened a response through Bryan Mbeumo, while substitute Georges-Kevin Nkoudou narrowly missed the target with a diving header, but sustained pressure was difficult to generate against a well-organised Moroccan back line.
Saibari seals historic progress
The decisive moment arrived in the 74th minute. Ezzalzouli delivered a dangerous free kick from the right, Nayef Aguerd rose highest to flick the ball on, and Ismael Saibari — left unmarked — lashed home to seal the win.
Morocco now progress to the semifinals for the first time since 2004 and will return to Rabat to face either Nigeria or Algeria. With momentum building and confidence growing, the Atlas Lions sense a golden opportunity to end their long wait for African glory.
