The host country did not tremble in the quarter-finals against Cameroon (2-0). Next opponent for the Atlas Lions: Algeria or Nigeria.
See you soon. Morocco, criticized for the game proposed since the start of its CAN, surpassed Cameroon 2-0 on Saturday in Rabat and qualified for the semi-finals of a tournament of which it is more than ever the arch-favorite.
the Atlas Lions, imperial like their X factor, Brahim Diaz, once again a scorer, will face on Wednesday, still in Rabat, the winner of the Algeria-Nigeria meeting which takes place this Saturday in Marrakech.
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The Indomitable Lions, having arrived with their den upside down, and on an unexpected journey, stop there. David Pagou, their coach, one of the revelations of the competition, will be able to build on something other than ruins.
Brahim again and again
Morocco, for its part, is (finally) moving forward imperturbably towards its sole objective: lifting its second African Cup on January 18. After his performance, he can count on his supporters, initially skeptical, now ready to push behind him.
Criticized once again for its slow start against Tanzania in the round of 16, Morocco this time began its quarter with a bang, stifling Cameroon, unable to leave its camp sustainably throughout the first period.
More aggressive in the duels, more enterprising in the game, more solid defensively, Achraf Hakimi’s partners logically opened the scoring.
Overwhelmed, the Indomitable Lions multiplied the mistakes, accumulating dangerous free kicks in favor of Morocco, and saved themselves in defense, conceding as many corners.
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It was on one of them that the Atlas Lions found the fault through the inevitable Brahim Diaz, when Hakimi placed the ball on the head of Ayoub El Kaabi and the Real Madrid striker opportunely deflected the ball from the lower abdomen and at close range into the goal of Devis Epassy (1-0, 26th).
The nugget Brahim struck again, scoring his fifth goal of the competition in five games, and more than ever the top scorer in the Moroccan CAN.
Ayoub El Kaabi, +Mr. Bicycle+, as effective with his head as with acrobatic flips, did a good job on the spot, and the Madrilenian thanked him warmly during his celebration.
The Moroccan people too, holding their breath for 20 minutes, but quickly delivered by the duo: between them, Brahim and El Kaabi scored the first eight Moroccan goals of the tournament.
Prestation collective
But, unlike previous meetings, it was collectively that Morocco impressed on Friday, almost continuously stifling the Indomitable Lions who had made their physical density their main weapon in the tournament.
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And if it was again Brahim who caused the mistake leading to the second Moroccan goal, neither he nor El Kaabi this time reached its conclusion.
Symbol of a Morocco stammering since the start of the competition and brilliant in the quarter, Ismael Saibari, disappointing until now, was perfect against Cameroon.
Always quick to retreat defensively, the PSV Eindhoven attacking midfielder experienced a first failure on a dangerous action in the 62nd minute, before driving home the point with a powerful cross strike after another free kick from Ez Abde (2-0, 74th).
He earned the honorary title of man of the match that many of his partners could have claimed. No matter, it’s another title that Walid Regragui and his men are obsessed with.
