AFCON 2025: Morocco and Senegal book semi-final spots after controlled quarter-final wins

Morocco and Senegal booked their places in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations on Friday, following controlled victories in the quarter-finals. The Atlas Lions impressed on home soil against Cameroon, while Senegal edged a tight West African derby against Mali.

Morocco produced a composed and authoritative display to see off Cameroon and continue their AFCON 2025 campaign. In front of a sold-out crowd in Rabat, Walid Regragui’s side controlled large spells of the contest and limited the Lions Indomptables to very few clear openings.

The hosts took the lead midway through the first half when Brahim Díaz reacted quickest following a corner, scoring his fifth goal of the tournament. Morocco dominated the opening period, pressing high and forcing Cameroon into repeated defensive situations.

Cameroon enjoyed more possession after the interval but failed to trouble Yassine Bounou, finishing the match without a shot on target. Morocco doubled their advantage in the 74th minute when Ismael Saibari arrived at the far post to convert from close range, sealing a deserved victory.

Morocco will now face either Algeria or Nigeria in the semi-finals, as the hosts continue their bid for a first AFCON title since 1976.

Igamane made his AFCON debut! 🇲🇦✨ pic.twitter.com/wZiUvQncr6
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) January 9, 2026

Senegal edge Mali in hard-fought derby

Senegal secured their place in the last four after a narrow victory over Mali in Tanger. In a physical and closely contested encounter, the defending champions showed patience and defensive solidity.

The only goal of the match came in the 27th minute, when Iliman Ndiaye capitalised on a goalkeeping error to give Senegal the lead. Mali were reduced to ten men just before half-time following the dismissal of Yves Bissouma, complicating their task.

Despite their numerical advantage, Senegal were unable to extend their lead, with Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra producing a series of saves to keep his side in contention. The Eagles threatened sporadically on the counter, but Senegal managed the closing stages effectively to preserve their advantage.