Two semi-final places were confirmed on Friday at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 as Morocco and Senegal emerged victorious in their quarter-final fixtures.
Senegal sealed progression into the last four with a narrow 1–0 win over Mali in an intense West African derby played earlier in the day in Tangier.
The decisive moment came in the 27th minute when Iliman Ndiaye found the net, a lead the Teranga Lions protected with determination and discipline to secure a hard-earned semi-final berth.
Later on Friday, tournament hosts Morocco also advanced from the quarter-final stage, much to the delight of home supporters, keeping their quest for continental success firmly on track.
The Atlas Lions secured victory in Rabat with goals in each half.
Brahim Díaz opened the scoring in the 26th minute, reacting sharply inside the six-yard box to guide a left-footed effort into the bottom left corner after a corner delivered and recycled by Ayoub El Kaabi.
With Cameroon pressing for a response, Morocco doubled their advantage in the second half to put the contest beyond reach.
Ismaël Saibari delivered the decisive blow in the 74th minute, firing a left-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area into the bottom right corner following a well-worked set-piece assisted by Nayef Aguerd.
It was a victory built on patience, control and belief — hallmarks of Walid Regragui’s side — as the Atlas Lions finally broke their AFCON knockout hoodoo against Cameroon and did so on home soil.
Cameroon exit with pride after another disciplined and courageous display as Morocco take the decisive steps forward.
Attention now shifts to Saturday, when the remaining two quarter-final matches will be played to complete the semi-final line-up.
Egypt are set to face defending champions Cote d’Ivoire, while Nigeria will battle Algeria in another eagerly anticipated last-eight encounter.
With the tournament entering its defining stage, the quarter-finals have underlined the fine margins and high quality associated with Africa’s premier football competition.
Following an unpredictable group phase and fiercely contested round-of-16 matches, only eight teams progressed with hopes of claiming the coveted trophy.
The winners of the four quarter-final ties will move into the semi-finals and keep their championship ambitions alive.
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