What's happened
Morocco's national team reached the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Cameroon 2-0 in Rabat. Goals from Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari secured the victory, marking Morocco's first semi-final appearance since 2004. The team now prepares for a challenging match against either Algeria or Nigeria.
What's behind the headline?
Morocco's semi-final qualification signifies a historic achievement, ending a 22-year drought since their last semi-final appearance. The team's success is driven by key players like Brahim Diaz, who has scored five goals in five games, and a cohesive squad that has outperformed expectations. The victory also boosts national morale and cements Morocco's status as a leading African football nation. However, the team faces a tougher challenge in the semi-finals, where they will confront either Algeria or Nigeria, both formidable opponents. The pressure to win the tournament on home soil remains high, but Morocco's current form suggests they are well-positioned to contend for their first AFCON title since 1976.
What the papers say
France 24 reports Morocco's victory over Cameroon, highlighting the significance of their semi-final appearance and the contributions of Diaz and Saibari. The New Arab emphasizes the historic nature of Morocco's progress and the expectations placed on the team. All Africa provides insights into Cameroon’s perspective, with coach David Pagou acknowledging Morocco as favorites and praising their star players like Achraf Hakimi. The contrasting views underscore Morocco's rising prominence and Cameroon’s disappointment, with both sources noting the high stakes and national pride involved.
How we got here
Morocco, the host nation and Africa's top-ranked team, entered the AFCON with high expectations. Their journey to the semi-finals was marked by a strong performance against Cameroon, a five-time African champion. The victory continues Morocco's recent success, including their semi-final run at the 2022 World Cup, and reflects their growing football stature on the continent.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
Cameroon, officially the Republic of Cameroon, is a country in Central Africa. It is bordered by Nigeria to the west and north; Chad to the northeast; the Central African Republic to the east; and Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and the Republic of the Congo to
-
Hoalid Regragui, known as Walid Regragui, is a Moroccan professional football manager and former player who played as a right-back. He is the head coach of the Morocco national team.
-
Morocco, officially the Kingdom of Morocco, is a country located in the Maghreb region of North Africa. It overlooks the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, with land borders with Algeria to the east and Western Sahara to th