AFCON 2025: Giants Clash as Morocco and Senegal Secure Semi-Final Berths
NEWSOTHER NEWSSPORT
1/10/20262 min read
The quarter-final stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) delivered high-stakes drama on Friday, January 9, 2026. Hosts Morocco continued their march toward a historic second title, while Senegal overcame a resilient Malian side to book their spots in the final four.
Match 1: Morocco vs. Cameroon
The "Battle of the Giants" saw the Atlas Lions face their historical "bogey team," the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon. In a clinical performance at the capital, Morocco dismantled the Cameroonian defense to reach their first AFCON semi-final since 2004.
Result: Morocco 2–0 Cameroon
Scorers: Brahim Díaz (26'), Ismael Saibari (74')
Date: Friday, January 9, 2026
Location: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, Morocco
Weather: Clear night, approximately $14^{\circ}\text{C}$ ($57^{\circ}\text{F}$), with a light breeze. The atmosphere was electric in the sold-out stadium.
Key Highlights
Brahim Díaz opened the scoring in the 26th minute, becoming only the second player in AFCON history to score in five consecutive matches. Morocco dominated possession and solidified the win in the second half when Ismael Saibari found the net, ending a long-standing hoodoo against Cameroon in AFCON tournaments.
Match 2: Mali vs. Senegal
In a tense West African derby, the Teranga Lions of Senegal faced a spirited Mali side. The match was defined by a critical first-half red card that shifted the momentum in favor of the defending champions.
Result: Mali 0–1 Senegal
Scorer: Iliman Ndiaye (27')
Date: Friday, January 9, 2026
Location: Grand Stade de Tanger, Tangier, Morocco
Weather: Cold and cloudy evening, approximately $11^{\circ}\text{C}$ ($52^{\circ}\text{F}$). The Mediterranean humidity made for a damp pitch.
Key Highlights
Iliman Ndiaye capitalized on a goalkeeping error in the 27th minute to score the only goal of the game. Mali’s hopes were severely dented just before half-time when captain Yves Bissouma was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. Despite being down to 10 men, Mali pushed for an equalizer in the second half but was denied by the veteran Edouard Mendy.
Post-Match: What Walid Regragui Said
Morocco’s head coach, Walid Regragui, was full of praise for his squad and the home supporters following the 2-0 victory over Cameroon.
On the Atmosphere:
"I want to thank the players and the fans. It truly felt like we were playing with 12 players on the pitch. The energy in Rabat tonight was incredible."
On the Performance:
"Qualifying for the semi-finals is well deserved. The players earned it through focus and hard work. I congratulate Cameroon for a strong performance; they are a major nation, but our players gave everything."
On the Midfield and Tactics:
"When the players stay focused, things go well. I am very happy with what they showed tonight. Brahim Díaz is a special player, but the collective effort in the midfield battle was the decisive factor. We hope to be even more efficient in the next round."
On the Road Ahead:
"The players feel the pressure of being hosts, but we have the humility to believe we can win this AFCON. We take it one step at a time."
What's Next?
Morocco moves on to face the winner of the Algeria vs. Nigeria quarter-final, while Senegal awaits the winner of the clash between Ivory Coast and Egypt. The dream of an all-North African or a North-West African final remains alive as the tournament enters its most critical phase.
