Morocco finally looked like true tournament contenders on home soil. After four unconvincing performances marked by cautious and uneven football, the hosts produced a display that echoed the team which reached the World Cup semi-finals two years ago. The quarter-final against Cameroon was tense and combative rather than stylish, largely due to Cameroon’s persistent disruptions and time-wasting. Still, Morocco showed composure, combining first-half sharpness with second-half discipline to protect their advantage.
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Earlier in the competition, the weight of expectation had visibly burdened Morocco. As hosts chasing their first Africa Cup of Nations title in half a century—after heavy investment in football infrastructure ahead of the 2030 World Cup—the pressure was intense. Head coach Walid Regragui had even faced criticism from supporters despite an impressive overall record. He responded by emphasizing unity and resilience, insisting the team plays for the nation and its supporters, regardless of doubt or criticism.
Pre-match scenes suggested contrasting mindsets: Morocco calm and focused, Cameroon relaxed and celebratory. Once play began, however, Morocco showed urgency and confidence, driven by a passionate crowd at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah. They pressed aggressively from the outset, forcing repeated set pieces. Regragui later described it as their strongest first-half performance in months. From one such corner, Ayoub El Kaabi’s header created the chance for Brahim Díaz to score his fifth goal of the tournament.
Another dead-ball situation sealed the win late on, with Ismael Saibari finishing emphatically after a loose free-kick reached him at the far post.
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Cameroon arrived with comparatively low expectations following a turbulent buildup that included disputes over team selection. Under coach David Pagou, however, they had exceeded predictions with an energetic and youthful squad. Against Morocco, they struggled to cope with the hosts’ early intensity and physical dominance—a challenge that has overwhelmed many teams in the tournament.
Morocco’s tactical stability also played a role. Regragui kept faith with the same 4-3-3 formation used against Tanzania, allowing Díaz and Ez Abde greater freedom on the wings. The side appeared more fluid and mobile, benefiting from continuity and a slightly altered midfield balance.
Refereeing controversy surrounded the match after a late official change, which angered Cameroon, though their coach declined to cite it as a factor in defeat. The result ultimately reflected Morocco’s superiority on the night.
As with many World Cup-qualified teams, Morocco face the risk that a strong qualification campaign can be quickly overshadowed by disappointment at the Cup of Nations. Despite this, Regragui’s position remains under scrutiny should Morocco fail to lift the trophy.
Do they have what it takes to win it all? Morocco may still need more attacking edge, but this performance was about control rather than anxiety. The ability to dominate early, then manage the game calmly against a dangerous opponent, suggested a team finally finding balance—and one that now looks like a genuine title contender.