Rabat, Morocco — Hosts Morocco downed Cameroon 2-0 on Thursday night to reach the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals, while Senegal edged Mali 1-0 in the earlier quarter-final in Tangier. Brahim Díaz redirected a corner with his hip in the 27th minute, stretching his scoring run to five consecutive Cup matches, a national record. Ismael Saibari drove home a second from another corner scramble with 16 minutes left, ending Cameroon’s tournament.
Official statements indicate the Indomitable Lions rarely threatened after half — time; their lone clear chance came moments before the second goal when substitute Georges-Kévin Nkoudou steered wide.
The loss is Cameroon’s first to Morocco in five Cup meetings.
In the day’s opening tie, Iliman Ndiaye prodded Senegal ahead after Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra mis-handled a cross in similar rainy conditions.
Mali captain Yves Bissouma collected a second caution before the break, leaving his side 10 men for the entire second half but unable to find an equaliser.
The results set up Wednesday’s semi-finals: Morocco will face the winner of Nigeria against Algeria, while Senegal stay in Tangier to meet either Ivory Coast or Egypt. Further details are expected once the final quarter-finals conclude.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 4*
