photo by Rigobert Feutzing
With another goal from Brahim Diaz during their 2-0 victory over Cameroon on Friday, Morocco advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations semifinals for the first time since 2004.
After easily defeating a Cameroonian team that failed to score at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, the AFCON hosts will play either Algeria or Nigeria for a spot in the championship game.
After both teams found their rhythm in the first few minutes of play, Morocco was rewarded by their man of the moment in the 25th minute.
Ayoub El Kaabi headed on Achraf Hakimi’s corner from the right, and Diaz was there to flick the ball out of Devis Epassy’s reach from inside the six-yard box.
Abde Ezzalzouli cut inside from the left and rippled the side netting to give Morocco a second chance, and El Kaabi replicated the feat in first-half stoppage time.
After the break, Ezzalzouli’s near-post header from another Hakimi corner just missed the crossbar, giving Walid Regragui’s team few opportunities.
However, in the 74th minute, Ezzalzouli’s free kick bounced off Nayef Aguerd’s head, setting up Ismael Saibari’s intense drive, giving them the goal their performance deserved.