Brahim Díaz, Saibari Fire Morocco Into AFCON Semi-Finals
Tournament hosts Morocco sealed their spot in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-finals after goals from Brahim Díaz and Ismael Saibari secured a convincing 2-0 victory over five-time winners Cameroon in Rabat.
Backed by a vociferous home crowd in the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Morocco came flying out of the blocks against the Indomitable Lions. A string of threatening deliveries into the box put Cameroon under immediate pressure, but captain Nouhou Tolo stood firm at the back to keep David Pagou’s men on level terms.
Morocco continued to probe for an opener, and their attacking intent was rewarded in the 26th minute when Diaz directed Ayoub El Kaabi’s downward header beyond Devis Epassy for his fifth goal of the tournament.
Armed with the momentum, the Atlas Lions could’ve doubled their lead before half-time, as Abde Ezzalzouli and El Kaabi fired a pair of efforts narrowly wide of the near post.
Grateful to only be one goal behind, Cameroon dominated possession at the start of the second period as they searched for a route back into the contest. However, it was Morocco who remained the more threatening of the two sides in the final third, with Ezzalzouli glancing a close-range header onto the roof of the net.
At the other end of the pitch, attacking duo Bryan Mbeumo and Christian Kofane were unable to affect proceedings, as substitute Georges-Kevin Nkoudou headed well wide from six yards.
Having kept the Indomitable Lions at arm’s length, Morocco found their all-important second goal with 16 minutes remaining, when Ezzalzouli’s cross into the box found Saibari, who took one touch to compose himself before firing a superb left-footed finish into the far corner.
That killed off any hopes of a Cameroon comeback, as Morocco navigated their way through the closing stages to set up a semi-final date with either Nigeria or Algeria, while extending their unbeaten run to 22 matches (W20, D2).