Hosts Morocco and Senegal booked their places in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations on Friday night after contrasting quarter-final victories over Cameroon and Mali respectively, as the tournament entered its decisive stage.
News Point Nigeria Sports reports that in Rabat, Brahim Diaz continued his sensational scoring run to inspire Morocco to a convincing 2-0 victory over Cameroon, keeping the hosts’ title ambitions firmly alive in front of a packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The Real Madrid winger, who has now scored in every match of the tournament, registered his fifth goal in five appearances when he provided the decisive touch to Ayoub El Kaabi’s header in the 26th minute. The goal came moments after Cameroon had been forced into an early substitution following an injury to right wing-back Jackson Tchamadeu.
Achraf Hakimi delivered a corner from the right, which El Kaabi glanced towards goal before the ball struck Diaz and crossed the line, sending over 64,000 home fans into raptures.
Morocco, Africa’s top-ranked team and 2022 World Cup semi-finalists, dominated proceedings and doubled their advantage in the second half when Ismael Saibari finished clinically to cap a strong collective performance.
Walid Regragui’s side, unchanged from their narrow last-16 win over Tanzania, controlled the tempo throughout and limited the threat of Cameroon’s attack, with Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo struggling to impose himself.
The Indomitable Lions, five-time African champions, had hoped to frustrate the hosts and spring an upset after navigating a turbulent build-up to the tournament, but they were unable to replicate past successes against Morocco, including their semi-final win over the hosts when Morocco last staged AFCON in 1988.
Morocco’s victory marked their first AFCON semi-final appearance since losing the 2004 final to Tunisia, easing doubts over their ability to handle the immense pressure of hosting the competition and ending a two-decade wait for a last-four place.
They will now face the winner of Saturday’s quarter-final clash between Algeria and Nigeria in what is expected to be a far sterner test of their title credentials.
Earlier in the day in Tangiers, Senegal secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Mali to reach the semi-finals for the third time in four tournaments.
Recalled forward Iliman Ndiaye scored the only goal of the match in the first half after capitalising on a costly error by Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra. Despite the mistake, Diarra redeemed himself with a series of outstanding saves to keep Mali in contention.
Mali’s task became significantly more difficult in first-half stoppage time when captain Yves Bissouma was sent off for a second yellow card after fouling Sadio Mane, leaving his side to battle the entire second half with 10 men.
Senegal pressed for a second goal but were unable to extend their lead, though their defensive organisation ensured they saw out the contest safely.
“I am happy to have won the player of the match award, but the most important thing is that we have progressed to the semi-finals,” Ndiaye said afterwards. “We played well and are constantly improving.”
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw praised his team’s discipline but admitted they could have been more ruthless in front of goal, while Mali coach Tom Saintfiet commended his players’ effort despite the numerical disadvantage.
“It was a difficult match for us because we had to play half of it with 10 men,” Saintfiet said. “I am proud of the players for what they did, not only tonight but throughout the AFCON.”
Senegal will now face either reigning champions Ivory Coast or record seven-time winners Egypt in the semi-finals, setting up another heavyweight showdown as the race for the AFCON title intensifies.
With Morocco carrying the hopes of the host nation and Senegal chasing another continental crown, the stage is set for a thrilling climax to Africa’s premier football tournament.