Morocco's national football team, the Atlas Lions, have roared into the semi-finals of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), ending a 22-year wait for a last-four appearance. The host nation secured their historic spot with a commanding 2-0 victory over five-time champions Cameroon in a tense quarter-final clash at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Friday.
Regragui's Historic Achievement and Cautious Warning
Head coach Walid Regragui, a member of the Moroccan squad that lost the 2004 final, described the achievement as "historic" but immediately tempered the celebrations with a call for focus. "We need to just keep going one game at a time. We have not done anything yet," Regragui insisted in his post-match comments. He acknowledged the long wait for Moroccan fans, stating, "Moroccans have not seen their team in the semi-finals of an AFCON for 22 years. They deserve it but we need to keep our feet on the ground and make it even more historic."
Diaz Shines as Morocco Dominates Cameroon
The match was defined by a blistering first-half performance from the hosts. Real Madrid winger Brahim Diaz broke the deadlock in the 26th minute, setting the tone for Morocco's dominance. Coach Regragui hailed it as his team's best opening half since their famous 2022 World Cup campaign, praising the "lots of pressing and intensity." The victory was sealed after halftime when Ismael Saibari netted the second goal, ensuring Cameroon never found a way back into the game.
Regragui reserved special praise for Diaz, who has been in scintillating form. "He is the X factor of my team. He has been amazing, scoring in every game. Tonight he sent a message to the rest of the side with the way he ran and fought," said the coach. Diaz now boasts an impressive tally of five goals in five games at the tournament.
Cameroon's Exit and Coach's Pride
For the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, the journey ends at the quarter-final stage. Their coach, David Pagou, who was only appointed shortly before the tournament, expressed pride in his team's efforts. "We are satisfied with the boys because they have given a lot of emotions to the Cameroonian people and that was the aim," Pagou stated. He emphasized the team's progression, adding, "We wanted to go as far as possible but this is a team that is progressing and there are millions of Cameroonians who can be pleased. As a coach I will take away a lot of good things from this campaign."
Morocco now awaits the winner of another quarter-final as they continue their quest to win the AFCON title on home soil, carrying the hopes of a nation and the momentum of a historic run.
