Sat Jan 10 02:30:00 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Morocco Breaks 20-Year Semi-Final Drought at AFCON with Victory Over Cameroon

The Story:

Morocco secured a well-deserved 2-0 victory against Cameroon in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final on January 9, 2026, ending a 20-year wait to reach the semi-finals. Goals from Brahim Díaz and Ismael Saibari in either half sealed the win for the hosts in a match where they dominated possession and created more clear-cut chances. Cameroon, while tough, struggled to truly threaten the Moroccan defense, allowing the Atlas Lions to progress to the next stage of the tournament.

The atmosphere at the stadium was electric, with Moroccan fans celebrating the significant milestone. However, coach Walid Regragui quickly gathered his players after the game, emphasizing the need to remain focused and prepare for the upcoming semi-final clash against either Algeria or Nigeria.

Key Points:

  • Brahim Díaz scored the first goal for Morocco.
  • Ismael Saibari scored the second goal, securing the victory.
  • Morocco reaches its first AFCON semi-final since 2004.
  • Cameroon struggled to create significant scoring opportunities.
  • The match was played on January 9, 2026.
  • Morocco will face either Algeria or Nigeria in the semi-final.
  • Morocco’s AFCON record since 2004 shows consistent underperformance, making this semi-final appearance a notable achievement.

Key Takeaways:

  • Morocco’s victory signifies a major turnaround in their AFCON performance after years of disappointment.
  • The team’s solid defense, having only conceded one goal in the tournament so far, has been crucial to their success.
  • The win reflects Morocco’s overall improvement in recent years, positioning them as strong contenders in the tournament.
  • The depth of Morocco’s squad, evidenced by strategic substitutions and impactful performances from players like Ezzalzouli, played a vital role in the victory.
  • The upcoming semi-final against either Algeria or Nigeria will be a significant test of Morocco’s title aspirations.

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