Morocco march past Cameroon to reach AFCON semi-finals after a controlled and convincing 2–0 victory that underlined why the hosts remain one of the tournament favourites. Goals from Brahim Díaz and Ismael Saibari were enough to send the Atlas Lions into the last four, but the result has also reignited fierce debate around officiating, particularly among South African football fans.
Playing at a packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Morocco set the tone early. They dominated possession, pressed with purpose and forced Cameroon onto the back foot. The breakthrough arrived in the 26th minute when Brahim Díaz rose highest to head home from close range, rewarding Morocco’s early pressure.
Cameroon tried to respond but struggled to break through a disciplined Moroccan defence. Their frustration grew as the match wore on, and Morocco punished them again in the 74th minute when Ismael Saibari calmly finished to double the lead and effectively seal the contest.
From there, Walid Regragui’s side managed the game with maturity, slowing the tempo, rotating intelligently and denying Cameroon any clear route back. It was not flashy, but it was efficient, professional and ruthless enough.
However, while Morocco celebrated progression to the semi-finals, anger was brewing elsewhere. In South Africa, the match reopened wounds from earlier refereeing decisions in the tournament. Bafana Bafana were eliminated in the round of 16 after losing 2–1 to Cameroon, but the controversy traces back to the group stage, where South Africa lost 1–0 to Egypt after Khuliso Mudau was penalised for what was deemed a foul on Mohamed Salah.
That decision resulted in a penalty, a moment that could have significantly altered South Africa’s tournament. Speaking after that match, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos did not hide his frustration.
“Even Mo Salah said to me after the game; ‘I was surprised it was a penalty’. It was ridiculous, really ridiculous,” Broos said.
Following Morocco’s win over Cameroon, South African fans took to social media in large numbers, comparing incidents and questioning consistency. Some pointed to a challenge involving Moroccan defender Adam Masina and a Cameroonian player, arguing that similar contact had been punished harshly elsewhere but ignored in this match.
Comments ranged from frustration to outright accusations of bias, with claims that “50/50 decisions” were consistently going Morocco’s way. Others referenced earlier games involving Zambia and Tanzania, suggesting a pattern of questionable calls that favoured the hosts.
These reactions have fed into a growing narrative among some supporters and teams that there is a deliberate attempt to clear Morocco’s path to the title. It is a claim that Moroccan officials and players strongly reject.
Morocco coach Walid Regragui was blunt when asked about the allegations after the Cameroon match.
“We deserved our win. When you want to kill your dog, you accuse it of rabies,” Regragui said. “Cameroon didn’t score a goal. People want to make it seem like we’re favoured by referees. We win our matches on the field.”
Beyond the controversy, Morocco’s AFCON story is one of long waits and renewed belief. The Atlas Lions won the tournament only once, back in 1976, and have endured decades of near-misses, group-stage exits and painful knockouts, including losing the 2004 final. Recent years have brought renewed optimism, especially after their historic run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
As hosts of AFCON 2025, Morocco arrived with expectation and pressure. They boast modern stadiums, a squad filled with Europe-based players, and a coach who has built a clear tactical identity. Against Cameroon, they looked composed, balanced and comfortable in their role as favourites.
Whether the officiating debate fades or grows louder will depend on what happens next. What is certain is that Morocco march past Cameroon to reach AFCON semi-finals on merit, and with each passing game, belief grows that this could finally be their moment to lift the trophy again.
For now, the Atlas Lions move on. The noise follows them.
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