Morocco and Senegal Advance to AFCON Semi-Finals

Rabat, The Gulf Observer: Hosts Morocco kept their dream of winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alive in front of home fans with a 2-0 quarter-final victory over Cameroon on Friday, while Senegal defeated neighbours Mali to secure a place in the semi-finals.

In Rabat, Real Madrid winger Brahim Diaz continued his impressive run at the tournament, scoring his fifth goal in five matches to give Morocco the lead at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. PSV Eindhoven midfielder Ismael Saibari sealed the win in the 74th minute, ensuring Morocco’s progression to a semi-final clash with the winner of Saturday’s match between Algeria and Nigeria.

Morocco coach Walid Regragui hailed the result as “historic,” adding, “Moroccans have not seen their team in the semi-final of an AFCON for 22 years. They deserve it, but we need to keep our feet on the ground and make it even more historic.”

The Atlas Lions, Africa’s top-ranked nation and 2022 World Cup semi-finalists, faced a resilient Cameroon side, who were hoping to spring an upset. However, the five-time African champions struggled to create meaningful chances, with Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo largely contained. Cameroon coach David Pagou praised his team’s effort, saying they had “given a lot of emotion to the Cameroonian people.”

Morocco’s goals came from a set-piece routine in the 26th minute, when Achraf Hakimi’s corner found Ayoub El Kaabi, and the ball deflected off Diaz into the net. Saibari added the second goal in the 74th minute, controlling Abde Ezzalzouli’s delivery before striking past the goalkeeper.

In Tangiers, Senegal defeated 10-man Mali 1-0 in a West African derby. Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye scored the only goal in the 27th minute after Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra mishandled a cross from Krepin Diatta. Mali captain Yves Bissouma received a second yellow card before halftime, reducing his side to ten men. Despite several saves from Diarra, Senegal maintained their advantage to advance.

Senegal, seeking a third final appearance in four editions, will face either defending champions Ivory Coast or seven-time winners Egypt in the semi-finals. Senegal coach Pape Thiaw praised his team’s performance, noting the challenges of playing against a strong Mali side and coping with a numerical disadvantage. Mali coach Tom Saintfiet expressed pride in his team’s overall performance throughout the tournament.