Morocco Marches On: Atlas Lions Tame Cameroon to Reach AFCON Semi-Finals

In a definitive display of tactical maturity and clinical execution, Morocco defeated Cameroon 2-0 in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Backed by a record crowd of 64,178, the Atlas Lions controlled the tempo from the onset. Real Madrid star Brahim Díaz opened the scoring in the 26th minute, pouncing on a header from Ayoub El Kaabi following a precise Achraf Hakimi corner. Despite a resilient Cameroonian defense led by interim coach David Pagou, Morocco remained disciplined, doubling their lead in the 73rd minute through a powerful low strike by Ismael Saibari.

Cameroon struggled to create high-quality chances, finishing with a low expected goals rating as Morocco’s defense, which has conceded only once all tournament, held firm. The victory ends Morocco’s historical "bete noire" against the Indomitable Lions and sets up a semi-final clash against either Algeria or Nigeria.