Morocco booked their place in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations after a hard-fought and dramatic 2-1 victory over Cameroon in a pulsating quarter-final clash. The Atlas Lions held their nerve in a tense finale to overcome the Indomitable Lions and continue their quest for continental glory.
A First-Half of Moroccan Dominance
The match began at a frantic pace, with Morocco asserting their technical superiority early on. Their pressure paid off in the 21st minute when Hakim Ziyech broke the deadlock with a superb finish. The Chelsea winger cut inside from the right flank and unleashed a powerful left-footed drive that flew past Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Morocco continued to control proceedings for much of the first half, with their organised defence largely nullifying the Cameroonian attack. Cameroon struggled to find any rhythm, and the North African side took a deserved one-goal lead into the interval.
Cameroon's Spirited Second-Half Fightback
The complexion of the game changed dramatically after the restart. Cameroon emerged with renewed vigour and purpose, pushing Morocco back into their own half. Their persistence was rewarded in the 65th minute when captain Vincent Aboubakar rose highest to power home a header from a perfectly delivered cross, sending the Cameroonian supporters into raptures.
With the scores level, the match opened up, becoming a tense and end-to-end affair. Both teams had chances to take the lead, with the woodwork rattled at both ends. The momentum seemed to be with the Indomitable Lions as they pressed for a winner.
A Late, Decisive Intervention
Just as the game looked destined for extra time, Morocco struck the decisive blow. In the 88th minute, a swift counter-attack caught the Cameroonian defence off guard. A low cross into the box was turned towards his own net by Cameroon defender Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui under intense pressure from Moroccan substitute Zakaria Aboukhlal.
The late own goal proved to be the winner. Despite a frantic period of added time, during which Cameroon threw everything forward, Morocco's defence stood firm. The final whistle confirmed Morocco's progression to the final four, sparking wild celebrations among their players and staff.
This victory sets up a tantalising semi-final for Morocco as they continue their campaign. For Cameroon, it is a heartbreaking exit at the quarter-final stage, ending their hopes of defending the title they won in the last edition of the tournament. The match was a classic AFCON encounter, full of passion, drama, and a late twist that will be talked about for some time.
