The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco is approaching its climax,with the quarter-finals having delivered memorable moments.
Day 19 of the competition, which took place on Friday, January 9, saw Senegal overcome Mali to reach the semis. Morocco also took down Cameroon to seal a semi-final slot on home soil.
Here are five memorable moments from Friday’s AFCON action:
Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Diaz has been a revelation for Morocco, and his form continued against Cameroon. Diaz showed why Morocco struck gold by snatching him from Spain’s grasp yet again as he opened the scoring in the 26th minute,
This strike made it his fifth consecutive goal of the competition, a remarkable testament to his consistency, attacking prowess and ability to perform on the biggest stage. His goal also meant he became the first player since Gedo in 2010 to score against five different nations at one AFCON.
Diaz’s performances have been instrumental in Morocco’s deep run, making him a strong contender for player of the tournament.
Morocco whipped Cameroon 2-0 to finally reach an AFCON semi final for the first time since 2004. And the atmosphere at the Stade Moulay Abdellah in Rabat said it all.
The final whistle was met with a roar of jubilation from the home crowd, who have passionately backed their team throughout their campaign. This achievement signals a significant resurgence for Moroccan football and provides a massive boost of confidence.
The game between Senegal and Mali was a tightly contested affair, poised at 0-0 until a moment before halftime changed everything.
Captain Yvess Bissouma was booked in the 23rd minute for a foul, before picking up a second yellow card in first-half stoppage time, reducing the team to just ten men.
Both bookings were sandwiched between a 27th minute goal by Illiman Ndiaye.
In the second half, the side just could not cope with their numerical inferiority. Senegal peppered their goal with shots. In the end, the result flattered them. It brought an end to a run of five consecutive games without a single win during regulation time at the tournament.
It also meant they were not second time lucky, considering they dumped out Tunisia on penalties in the round of 16, a clash that saw them play over 90 minutes with 10 men.
Senegal are a team hungry to clinch the ongoing AFCON 2025. This was clear in how they played, subjecting Mali pressure throughout the game, especially after their red card.
Iliman Ndiaye scored the loan goal to give them a 1-0 win, but they could have scored more. Their performance proved they are not to be messed around with. It also now means Senegal have won four games in the same AFCON edition for the fourth time ever.
It also means Senegal are now unbeaten in each of their last 16 matches at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations from regular play.
And speaking of their attack, talisman Sadio Mane created four chances against Mali, the fifth time he's created 4+ chances in a CAF Africa Cup of Nations match.
During their clash with Cameroon, Morocco were pinged back for a while as the Indomitable Lions sought an equaliser. However, substitute Ismael Saibari found space and delivered a stunning strike into the back of the net to seal a 2-0 victory.
If there is anyone who deserved a goal, it was Saibari. From a freekick, the ball landed onto his path in the box, and he made no mistake.
As one commentator put it, “A man who is so deserving of a goal in this tournament finally has one. Ismael Sabari, One of the best players not to have scored until now at this tournament.finally does.”
Saibari has been at the heartbeat of almost everything positive about Morocco, earning a 7.08 average rating on Sofascore for his performances. He has been making 2.6 tackles and interceptions per game. Recovered possession 3.6 times and 5.6 ground duels a match.
After laying a platform for attackers like Diaz to thrive, he finally got his moment to shine.
Day 19 of AFCON 2025 provided an enthralling mix of individual brilliance, collective effort, and high-stakes drama. With Senegal and Morocco advancing, the semi-finals promise even more fireworks as the continent's best teams battle for glory.
