Sports
Hosts Morocco storm into AFCON semis with win over Cameroon
Tournament hosts Morocco sealed their spot in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-finals after goals from Brahim Díaz and Ismael Saibari secured a convincing 2-0 victory over five-time winners Cameroon in Rabat.
Backed by a vociferous home crowd in the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Morocco came flying out of the blocks against the Indomitable Lions. A string of threatening deliveries into the box put Cameroon under immediate pressure, but captain Nouhou Tolo stood firm at the back to keep David Pagou’s men on level terms.
Morocco continued to probe for an opener, and their attacking intent was rewarded in the 26th minute when Diaz directed Ayoub El Kaabi’s downward header beyond Devis Epassy for his fifth goal of the tournament.
Armed with the momentum, the Atlas Lions could’ve doubled their lead before half-time, as Abde Ezzalzouli and El Kaabi fired a pair of efforts narrowly wide of the near post.
Grateful to only be one goal behind, Cameroon dominated possession at the start of the second period as they searched for a route back into the contest. However, it was Morocco who remained the more threatening of the two sides in the final third, with Ezzalzouli glancing a close-range header onto the roof of the net.
At the other end of the pitch, attacking duo Bryan Mbeumo and Christian Kofane were unable to affect proceedings, as substitute Georges-Kevin Nkoudou headed well wide from six yards.
Having kept the Indomitable Lions at arm’s length, Morocco found their all-important second goal with 16 minutes remaining, when Ezzalzouli’s cross into the box found Saibari, who took one touch to compose himself before firing a superb left-footed finish into the far corner.
That killed off any hopes of a Cameroon comeback, as Morocco navigated their way through the closing stages to set up a semi-final date with either Nigeria or Algeria, while extending their unbeaten run to 22 matches (W20, D2).
Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, and a former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, have commended the Super Eagles for their performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite their semi-final defeat to Morocco.
Nigeria lost 4–2 on penalties to the host nation after a goalless draw over regulation time and extra time on Wednesday, ending the Super Eagles’ bid for a place in the final.
Reacting via his X handle on Thursday, Obi praised the players for their resilience and commitment, urging them to remain focused ahead of the third-place match.
“Dearest gallant Super Eagles, it was a battle well fought, and heads were not bowed.
“Thank you for a beautiful 120 minutes of incredible play. You showed your strength and prowess against all odds.
“The journey is not over. You have made the nation proud. Keep your heads high, the Eagle never stops soaring. There is another stage, let’s go get that medal. You have done well,” Obi wrote.
Also reacting on Facebook on Wednesday, Omokri said the Super Eagles deserved praise for their effort against a formidable host side.
“It was not for want of trying that the Super Eagles lost to Morocco. I am super proud of their effort today, as all Nigerians should be. Great teamwork,” he wrote.
Omokri added that the circumstances of the match made the performance even more commendable.
“It is worth stating that they played against a home squad that has never lost a home game in sixteen years. Yet, with all that pressure, they still gave it their best measure. Well done, Super Eagles!” he said.
Nigeria will face the Pharaohs of Egypt in the tournament’s third-place match on Saturday at 5 p.m.
Senegal, who earlier defeated Egypt 1–0 in their semifinal on Wednesday, will meet Morocco in Sunday’s final for the AFCON 2025 crown.
Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) President Samuel Eto’o has been handed a four-match ban for alleged misconduct during the team’s 2-0 defeat by hosts Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations last Friday, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) said in a statement.
Eto’o was reportedly seen making an angry gesture over refereeing decisions in the presence of CAF President Patrice Motsepe.
Players from both sides also jostled each other, and CAF said on Sunday it had opened investigations into violent confrontations during AFCON matches.
CAF’s disciplinary board fined Eto’o $20 000, a decision FECAFOOT said “lacks any explicit justification”.
“The expedited procedure leading to this decision raises serious concerns regarding the fundamental requirements of a fair process,” FECAFOOT said on Thursday, adding it would appeal.
“FECAFOOT reaffirms its support for its president and its commitment to respecting the principles governing credible disciplinary justice,” it added.
Hosts Morocco will play Senegal in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was the hero with two saves in the shoot-out as hosts Morocco beat Nigeria 4-2 on penalties to set up an Africa Cup of Nations final showdown this weekend with Senegal after a tense last-four clash on Wednesday finished 0-0 at the end of extra time.
Bounou saved from Samuel Chukwueze and brilliantly from Bruno Onyemaechi, allowing Youssef En-Nesyri to convert the winning kick and spark wild celebrations inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
There was joy but also relief for Hamza Igamane, who had appeared distraught after his kick was saved by Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
He was the only Moroccan player to fail to score in the shoot-out, however, with captain and talisman Achraf Hakimi among those who converted their penalties.
Morocco will now play Senegal on Sunday after the Lions of Teranga defeated Mohamed Salah’s Egypt 1-0 in the other semi-final earlier thanks to a Sadio Mane goal.
That will be a clash between the top two African sides in the FIFA world rankings and a fitting showpiece for the tournament.
Walid Regragui’s Morocco have been under enormous pressure to deliver a first AFCON title for their country in half a century but will be confident of coming out on top with their support behind them at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
But as their dream remains alive it is an agonising way for Nigeria’s hopes to end, two years they lost the final to the hosts in Ivory Coast.
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