Brahim Díaz continued his sensational Africa Cup of Nations form as host nation Morocco joined Senegal in the semifinals following a commanding 2-0 victory over Cameroon in Rabat on Friday.

The Real Madrid attacker extended his remarkable Moroccan record by scoring in a fifth consecutive match at the tournament. Díaz opened the scoring in the 27th minute, reacting quickest to bundle home Ayoub El Kaabi’s glancing header from a corner. He celebrated with a shrug toward the crowd, as if stunned by yet another decisive contribution.

Morocco doubled their advantage in the 74th minute through substitute Ismael Saibari, who drilled a low effort into the far corner after another set-piece, shortly after Georges-Kévin Nkoudou had gone close for Cameroon.

That missed opportunity proved costly for the five-time champions, whose defeat marked their first loss to Morocco in five Africa Cup of Nations meetings. The Atlas Lions largely controlled proceedings as Cameroon struggled to create clear chances.

Morocco will now face either Nigeria or Algeria in the second semifinal, scheduled for Wednesday.

Teranga Lions also book last-four place

Earlier in the day, Senegal secured their semifinal ticket with a narrow 1-0 win over 10-man Mali in the first quarterfinal.
Iliman Ndiaye scored the decisive goal in the 27th minute, pouncing from close range after Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra spilled Krépin Diatta’s cross under wet conditions at the Grand Stade de Tanger.

Mali’s task became even tougher when captain Yves Bissouma, already booked for a foul on Sadio Mané, was shown a second yellow card before halftime for another challenge on Idrissa Gueye. It was Mali’s third red card in as many matches at the tournament, following Woyo Coulibaly’s dismissal in the previous round.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Mali showed resilience, with Abdoulaye Diaby forcing a save from Édouard Mendy before the hour mark. However, most of the late chances fell to Senegal, with Diarra denying Lamine Camara and Mané in stoppage time.

Senegal, champions in 2021, will meet the winner of the quarterfinal clash between Ivory Coast and Egypt in the first semifinal on Wednesday, also in Tangier.