The host nation Morocco delighted over 64,000 fans at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, securing a semi-final spot by defeating Cameroon. Real Madrid’s Diaz continued his scoring streak, netting his fifth tournament goal in the 26th minute after deflecting teammate Ayoub El Kaabi’s header. Despite the immense weight of expectation to end a fifty-year title drought, Walid Regragui’s men handled the pressure superbly, controlling proceedings against the five-time champions.
The Indomitable Lions struggled hard to create chances, with Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo ineffective, suffering an early painful injury blow to Jackson Tchamadeu. Morocco dominated, with Achraf Hakimi orchestrating attacks. The victory was sealed in the second half when PSV’s Saibari fired home a cross from Abde Ezzalzouli. This win marks Morocco’s first AFCON semi-final appearance since 2004. They now await the winner of the Algeria and Nigeria clash, keeping their dream of lifting the trophy on home soil alive.