Brahim Díaz scored for the fifth consecutive game as hosts Morocco defeated Cameroon 2-0 in their Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Friday, January 9, keeping their hopes alive of winning a first continental title.
Ismaël Saibari also found the net in a controlled, if unspectacular, performance, with Morocco proving ruthlessly efficient by converting two of their three shots on target.
Cameroon had a strong appeal for a second-half penalty after what appeared to be a foul on Bryan Mbeumo, but the Indomitable Lions struggled to create clear-cut opportunities and failed to test Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou throughout the 90 minutes.
Morocco, who have yet to concede from open play in the tournament, will meet the winner of Saturday’s quarter-final between Algeria and Nigeria in the semi-finals, scheduled for Rabat on Wednesday, January 14.
The hosts took the lead in the 26th minute through Díaz. Achraf Hakimi’s corner was headed goalwards by Ayoub El Kaabi, and the Real Madrid forward reacted fastest to divert the ball into the net from close range.
Díaz has now scored in all five of Morocco’s matches at the finals, extending his own record for the most goals by a Moroccan player in a single Africa Cup of Nations. However, he was forced off late in the game with a heavily strapped thigh, raising concerns for head coach Walid Regragui.
Clear chances were scarce for both sides. Abde Ezzalzouli narrowly headed over from another Hakimi corner, while Saibari later missed a headed opportunity created by Hakimi.
Cameroon’s frustration continued when referee Dahane Beida dismissed their penalty claims after Mbeumo went down in the box. Georges-Kévin Nkoudou also headed wide at the back post in their best chance of the match.
Morocco sealed the victory minutes later when Saibari was left unmarked at the far post, giving him time to control the ball and fire a low shot into the far corner to make it 2-0, ending Cameroon’s challenge.
