Morocco rise to the moment on home soil
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The noise inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium said everything. Morocco are no longer just tournament hosts. They are genuine contenders, and a composed 2–0 quarterfinal win over Cameroon kept the dream of a long-awaited Africa Cup of Nations title alive.
Brahim Diaz once again proved decisive, scoring his fifth goal of the tournament after 26 minutes to calm a tense home crowd. Morocco controlled long spells of the match, pinning Cameroon deep with intelligent use of set pieces and width. Ismael Saibari’s second-half finish sealed the outcome and underlined the hosts’ growing authority.
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It is a significant step for a nation that has not reached an AFCON semifinal since 2004 and last lifted the trophy in 1976. Coach Walid Regragui described the result as historic, while also stressing the need for restraint as expectations rise.
Cameroon fall short despite spirited effort
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Cameroon arrived in Rabat hoping to surprise the hosts, but creativity was hard to come by. Bryan Mbeumo and the Indomitable Lions struggled to break down a disciplined Moroccan defence, and penalty appeals late on were waved away.
Given a troubled build-up and a late coaching change, simply reaching the quarterfinals marked progress. Still, the frustration was clear as Morocco finally shook off the ghosts of their 1988 home tournament exit to Cameroon.
Ndiaye delivers as Senegal edge Mali
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In Tangier, Senegal showed championship maturity in a tight 1–0 win over Mali. Iliman Ndiaye’s sharp reaction inside the box just before the half-hour proved enough to separate the sides.
Mali’s challenge was dealt a heavy blow when captain Yves Bissouma was sent off before halftime, yet they remained stubborn. Edouard Mendy was called into action to deny Abdoulaye Diaby, while Senegal missed chances to put the contest beyond doubt.
For the reigning champions, it was not pretty but it was effective. They are now one step away from a third final in four tournaments.
Nigeria make statement against Algeria
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If there were doubts about Nigeria, they were swept aside with authority. The Super Eagles dominated Algeria from start to finish in a commanding 2–0 victory.
Victor Osimhen opened the scoring shortly after the break with a powerful header, before Akor Adams finished off a flowing team move. Nigeria controlled possession, pressed relentlessly, and allowed Algeria no shot on target in the first half.
Coach Eric Chelle’s tactical discipline stood out, as did the balance between attacking intent and defensive solidity. It was a performance that confirmed Nigeria’s status as one of the tournament’s most complete sides.
Egypt dethrone champions in Agadir thriller
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The final semifinal place went to Egypt, who ended Ivory Coast’s reign as champions with a dramatic 3–2 win in Agadir.
Egypt struck early when Omar Marmoush finished clinically after just four minutes. Ivory Coast responded with urgency, but found themselves 2–0 down when Rami Rabia powered home a header from Mohamed Salah’s corner. A lifeline arrived before the break when Ahmed Fatouh bundled the ball into his own net.
The Pharaohs restored their cushion early in the second half as Salah finished from close range following a clever assist from Emam Ashour. Ivory Coast refused to fade, pulling another goal back through Guela Doue after a chaotic corner, and throwing everything forward in the closing stages.
Egypt, chasing a record-extending eighth AFCON title, held firm under heavy pressure. Their composure in the final minutes spoke to a side well versed in high-stakes knockout football.
A heavyweight semifinal line-up takes shape
The semifinals now read like a roll call of African football royalty. Morocco face Nigeria in a clash between momentum and muscle, while Senegal meet Egypt in a rematch steeped in recent AFCON history.
For the hosts, the pressure of home expectation grows with every win. For the rest, experience, resilience and fine margins will decide who moves one step closer to continental glory.
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