Hosts Morocco keep their Cup of Nations dreams alive with a 2-0 quarter-final victory over Cameroon, powered by Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari.
Rabat, Morocco – Morocco’s Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari were on target as hosts Morocco beat Cameroon 2-0 in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2026 quarter-final clash on Friday, keeping their continental title hopes alive.
Real Madrid winger Brahim Diaz converted Ayoub El Kaabi’s 26th-minute header in front of more than 64,000 fans at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Diaz’s fifth goal in as many matches set the tone before Saibari sealed the victory in the second half.
The win sends Morocco into the semi-finals, where they will face the winner of Saturday’s Algeria vs Nigeria encounter.
Morocco’s players celebrate their 2-0 quarter-final victory. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)
Cameroon Struggle:
The five-time African champions struggled to create chances, with Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo unable to influence the game. Morocco dominated throughout, under immense pressure to win the Cup on home soil for the first time in 50 years.
Key Moments:
- Morocco maintained their lineup from the last-16 win over Tanzania.
- Early in the game, Cameroon lost right wing-back Jackson Tchamadeu to injury. Moments later, Morocco scored from a corner, with Diaz deflecting El Kaabi’s header into the net.
- Achraf Hakimi caused constant problems down the right, including a corner that almost resulted in a second goal before Saibari’s decisive strike in the 74th minute.
Morocco remain unbeaten in AFCON since their 2024 loss to South Africa and are aiming to secure their first title since losing the 2004 final to Tunisia.
Next Up:
Morocco will now prepare for a challenging semi-final showdown, hoping to bring the trophy home to celebrate in front of their passionate supporters.
