Fès, Morocco: Senegal and Morocco powered into the semi‑finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations after decisive quarter‑final victories on Friday, igniting hopes of continental glory.
Senegal reached the last four after edging Mali 1–0 in a tense West African derby played earlier on Friday in Tangier.
Iliman Ndiaye struck early in the 27th minute of the match, a goal the Teranga Lions defended resolutely to secure a hard-earned semi-final ticket.
Hosts Morocco also progressed from the quarter-finals on Friday, delighting home fans and remaining on course for continental glory.
The Atlas Lions won the match in Rabat, scoring in both halves.
Brahim Díaz reacted quickest inside the six-yard box, firing a left-footed finish into the bottom left corner in the 26th minute after a corner delivered and recycled by Ayoub El Kaabi.
As Cameroon pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Morocco struck again to seal the contest in the second half.
Ismaël Saibari produced a moment of quality, driving a left-footed shot from the left side of the box into the bottom right corner in the 74th minute, following a well-worked set-piece assisted by Nayef Aguerd.
It was a victory built on patience, control, and belief — hallmarks of Walid Regragui’s side — as the Atlas Lions finally broke their AFCON knockout hoodoo against Cameroon and did so on home soil.
Cameroon exits with pride after another disciplined and courageous display as Morocco takes the decisive steps forward.
Two other quarter-final matches will be played on Saturday to determine the remaining semi-finalists of Africa’s flagship football tournament.
Egypt will face defending champions Cote d’Ivoire, while Nigeria will take on Algeria in another highly anticipated last-eight clash.
As the competition enters its decisive phase, the quarter-finals have highlighted the quality of the favourites and the narrow margins that define AFCON football.
After an unpredictable group stage and intense round-of-16 matches, only eight teams advanced with hopes of lifting the coveted trophy.
The winners of the four quarter-final matches will complete the semi-final line-up and keep their title ambitions alive.
