AFCON 2025: Senegal, Morocco advance to semi-finals

Morocco and Senegal on Friday booked places in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after winning their respective quarter-final encounters.

Senegal reached the last four after edging Mali 1–0 in a tense West African derby played in Tangier on Friday.

Iliman Ndiaye struck early in the 27th minute of the match, a goal the Teranga Lions defended resolutely to secure a hard-earned semi-final ticket.

Hosts Morocco also progressed from the quarter-final stage on Friday to delight home fans and remain on course for continental glory.

The Atlas Lions won the match with a 2-0 victory in Rabat.

Brahim Díaz reacted quickest inside the six-yard box, firing a left-footed finish into the bottom left corner in the 26th minute after a corner delivered and recycled by Ayoub El Kaabi.

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As Cameroon pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Morocco struck again to seal the contest in the second half.

It was a victory built on patience, control and belief — hallmarks of Walid Regragui’s side — as the Atlas Lions finally broke their AFCON knockout hoodoo against Cameroon and did so on home soil.

Cameroon exit with pride after another disciplined and courageous display as Morocco take the decisive steps forward.

Two other quarter-final matches will be played on Saturday to determine the remaining semi-finalists of Africa’s flagship football tournament.

Egypt will face defending champions Cote d’Ivoire, while Nigeria will take on Algeria in another highly anticipated last-eight clash.

The winners of the four quarter-final matches will complete the semi-final line-up and keep their title ambitions alive.

The Star