RABAT: Brahim Diaz continued his remarkable scoring run at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as hosts Morocco beat Cameroon 2-0 in their quarter-final on Friday to move one step closer to a first continental title in 50 years.
The Real Madrid forward struck for the fifth game in a row, opening the scoring in the 26th minute when he reacted quickest to deflect home Ayoub El Kaabi’s header from an Achraf Hakimi corner. Ismael Saibari added the second as Morocco once again proved ruthlessly efficient, scoring twice from just three shots on target.
Morocco were not at their most creative but remained composed and defensively solid, extending their record of not conceding a goal in open play at the tournament. Cameroon struggled to break through, although they felt aggrieved in the second half when a strong penalty appeal for a foul on Bryan Mbeumo went unawarded.
The Indomitable Lions failed to register a single save from goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Diaz’s goal saw him extend his own record for the most goals by a Moroccan player at a single AFCON finals, though his late substitution with a heavily strapped thigh will worry coach Walid Regragui ahead of the semi-finals.
Morocco will face the winner of Saturday’s quarter-final between Algeria and Nigeria, with the last-four clash scheduled to be played in Rabat on Wednesday.
