Brahim Díaz continued his remarkable form at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring for a fifth consecutive match as host nation Morocco defeated Cameroon 2–0 to book a place in the semi-finals and remain on track for a first continental title in 50 years.

The Real Madrid midfielder once again proved decisive, extending his own national record for the most goals by a Moroccan player at a single AFCON tournament. His opener came via a set piece, reacting quickest after Achraf Hakimi’s corner was flicked on by Ayoub El Kaabi to bundle the ball home from close range.

Despite the scoreline, Morocco were more efficient than dominant. Walid Regragui’s side created few clear chances from open play but made the most of their opportunities, registering just three shots on target and converting two of them.

Ismael Saibari sealed the victory later in the second half, capping a disciplined and well-organised performance that kept Morocco’s title dream firmly alive.

However, the match was overshadowed by controversy, with Cameroon left furious over several refereeing decisions. The main flashpoint came in the second half when Bryan Mbeumo appeared to be fouled inside the penalty area. The referee waved play on, sparking immediate outrage from Cameroonian players and officials, who felt key calls consistently favoured the hosts.

Frustrations boiled over in the VIP section of the stadium, where Cameroonian Football Federation president Samuel Eto’o confronted CAF president Patrice Motsepe following the disputed penalty appeal.

Eto’o was visibly angry, jumping from his seat and remonstrating despite attempts to calm him down.

The tension surrounding the officiating was heightened by events before kick-off.

Less than 24 hours prior to the match, Mauritanian referee Dahane Beida was appointed to replace an Egyptian official after concerns were raised by the Moroccan federation over the presence of an Algerian referee on the VAR team.

As a result, Beida’s decisions were placed under intense scrutiny throughout the contest, with the Cameroonian bench repeatedly protesting calls against them.

While Morocco celebrated their progression to the last four, the fallout from the controversial quarter-final is expected to linger long after the final whistle.