7 months ago
Morocco, Senegal Advance to AFCON Semifinals
Morocco and Senegal both won their quarter-final matches in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Morocco beat Cameroon 2-0 with goals from Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari.
This is a big deal because it's the first time in 22 years that Morocco has reached the semi-finals of AFCON.
Their coach, Walid Regragui, is proud but says they need to stay focused.
Meanwhile, Senegal won their match against Mali 1-0, with Iliman Ndiaye scoring the only goal.
Senegal will now play either Ivory Coast or Egypt in the semi-finals.
Both Morocco and Senegal are doing well in the tournament and have high hopes for winning.
Morocco defeated Cameroon 2-0 in the AFCON quarter-finals, with goals from Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari.
This is Morocco's first AFCON semi-final appearance in 22 years, with their next match against the winner of Algeria vs. Nigeria.
Brahim Diaz became the first Moroccan player to score five goals in a single AFCON tournament.
Senegal also advanced to the semi-finals with a 1-0 victory over Mali, thanks to a goal by Iliman Ndiaye.
Senegal will face either Ivory Coast or Egypt in their semi-final match.
- Who
- Morocco, Cameroon, Senegal, Mali national football teams
- What
- Morocco defeated Cameroon 2-0 and Senegal defeated Mali 1-0 in the AFCON quarter-finals
- Where
- Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat (Morocco vs. Cameroon); Grand Stadium, Tangier (Senegal vs. Mali)
- When
- January 10, 2026
- Why
- To advance to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations
Morocco's Perspective
Cameroon's Perspective
Match Significance
Morocco's Perspective
Morocco sees this as a historic victory, ending a 22-year drought in reaching the AFCON semi-finals and aiming to win the tournament on home soil.
Cameroon's Perspective
Cameroon may view this as a missed opportunity, having lost to Morocco in the semi-finals during the 1988 AFCON when Morocco was the host.
Key facts
- Match Result
- Morocco 2-0 Cameroon
- Goalscorers for Morocco
- Brahim Diaz, Ismael Saibari
- Match Date
- January 10, 2026
- Venue
- Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
- Next Round for Morocco
- Semi-finals against Algeria or Nigeria
- Senegal's Match Result
- Senegal 1-0 Mali
- Goalscorer for Senegal
- Iliman Ndiaye
- Next Round for Senegal
- Semi-finals against Ivory Coast or Egypt
Timeline
Morocco triumphs over Niger, confidence soars.
Then, they topple Mali, group status solidified.
Next, Zambia falls, Morocco leads, quarters await.
Finally, Cameroon defeated 2-0, Morocco to semis after 22 years.
Quotes
David Pagou
Cameroon's coach
“I’d like to remind you that we started on Dec. 16. It’s Jan 9, it hasn’t even been a month. We’re happy with these boys because they gave the people a lot of excitement, and that was the goal. … Unfortunately, Morocco cut us short. So we’ll return calmly and continue our progress.”
republicworld.com
“We’ve seen in such a short time the team we’ve built, and I believe we’ll retain the positive lessons and capitalize on what we’ve shown. I think we are on the right track.”
republicworld.com
Sources
AFCON: Hosts Morocco march on to semis as Senegal book last four spot
Walid Regragui Urges Morocco 'To Keep Feet On Ground' As Hosts Move Into AFCON Semis For First Time Since...
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Morocco Coach Says Claims Of Africa Cup Refereeing Bias Are from Foes ‘Who Want to See Us Fall’
AFCON: Morocco Sink Cameroon To Reach Semis As Brahim Diaz Scripts History With...
AFCON: Brahim Diaz scores again to propel Morocco to semifinals, Senegal too advance
AFCON: Iliman Ndiaye Lone Strike Helps Senegal Move Into Semis With Win Over...
Football: Morocco, Senegal reach CAF Africa Cup of Nations semifinals
Young Indomitable Lions Bring Hope Back To Cameroon After Turmoil Of Africa Cup Buildup
AFCON: Victor Osimhen Helps Nigeria Set Up Morocco Final-Four Clash With Win Over Algeria
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