By Edi Umoh
Morocco and Cameroon on Sunday secured their places in the quarter-finals of AFCON 2025 after coasting past their opponents in last-16 match.
Morocco booked their place after edging Tanzania 1–0 in Rabat on Sunday with Brahim Diaz’s second-half goal proving decisive.
Also, Cameroon scored a goal in either half to see off South Africa 2-1 in the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations finals on Sunday at the Stade El Barida.
Related News:
- Senegal and Mali Qualify for Quarter-Finals in AFCON 2025
- AFCON 2025: Countries to Play in Round 16 Knockout
- Super Eagles beat Tunisia to qualify for AFCON Round of 16
The Moroccan Atlas Lions dominated possession throughout the Round of 16 encounter but were made to work hard by a disciplined Tanzanian side that defended compactly and limited clear-cut chances.
Captained by Achraf Hakimi for the first time at this edition of the tournament, Morocco controlled the early exchanges but struggled to convert their territorial advantage.
Tanzania sat deep, closed spaces effectively and frustrated the hosts in the final third.
Morocco thought they had broken the deadlock in the 24th minute when Ismail Saibari tapped in from close range, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review, leaving the score goalless at the break.
They eventually made the breakthrough in the 63rd minute when Diaz cut inside and finished from a tight angle to spark celebrations among the home supporters.
It was Diaz’s fourth goal of the tournament, moving him clear at the top of the scoring chart and further highlighting his influence on Morocco’s title push.
Despite continued pressure, the hosts were unable to extend their lead, while Tanzania battled on until the final whistle but could not find an equaliser.
Morocco will now face the winner of the Round of 16 clash between South Africa and Cameroon in the quarter-finals at the Stade Al Madina in Rabat.
AFCON 2025 delivered one of its biggest shocks as Cameroon eliminated South Africa in the round of 16.
Cameroon secure berth in last-8
Cameroon set up a quarterfinal clash with hosts Morocco after edging South Africa in 2-1 score.
Despite predictions favoring Bafana Bafana, the Indomitable Lions showed efficiency and mental strength to secure a place in the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.
Five-time winners Cameroon proved too strong as they kept on course for Cup of Nations success to make up for their failure to qualify for this year’s World Cup in North America.
Cameroon took the lead in the 37th minute through J. Tchamadeu before doubling their advantage shortly after the break with a goal from C. Kofane in the 47th minute.
South Africa controlled possession for long periods, exceeding 67 percent, but struggled to turn dominance into clear chances against a disciplined Cameroonian defense.
Makgopa gave South Africa late hope with a goal in the 88th minute, but it was not enough to change the outcome.
Cameroon held firm to claim a 2-1 victory, breaking the statistical trend that favored Bafana Bafana and confirming once again that efficiency often outweighs possession at AFCON 2025.
