CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2026: Morocco and Senegal Advance to Semifinals
Morocco topples Cameroon 2-0; Senegal edges Mali 1-0 to advance
India, Jan 10 : Host nation Morocco and Senegal booked their places in the semifinals of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2026 on Friday, setting up high stakes clashes in the continent’s premier football tournament.
At Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Morocco defeated Cameroon 2-0. Brahim Diaz opened the scoring in the 26th minute, and Ismael Saibari sealed the win in the 74th with a composed finish from the centre of the box. Morocco, Africa’s top ranked side and 2022 World Cup semifinalists, ended a 22 year wait to reach the AFCON semifinals on home soil. Coach Walid Regragui hailed the win as “historic” while urging his team to remain focused for the next challenge. Morocco will now face the winner of Saturday’s quarterfinal between Algeria and Nigeria.
In Tangier, Senegal narrowly overcame Mali 1-0 in a tense West African derby. Iliman Ndiaye scored the decisive goal in the 27th minute. Mali’s captain, Yves Bissouma, was sent off just before halftime, reducing his side to ten men and complicating their chances. Senegal will meet the winner of Saturday’s clash between Egypt and reigning champions Côte d’Ivoire in the semifinals.
The remaining two semifinal spots will be decided on Saturday, as AFCON 2026 intensifies toward the climactic final.
