Three-time champions Nigeria have struck fear into Morocco’s Atlas Lions as both sides prepare for a high-stakes semi-final clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat.

For Cameroon, a disappointing evening was compounded by the loss of defender Junior Tchamadeu after he was reduced to tears upon being stretchered with a potentially serious knee injury. The story of the quarter-final in Rabat centred around two set-pieces.

The Africa Cup of Nations has reached the semi-final stage and a tournament devoid of shocks now offers up two mouthwatering ties with hosts Morocco looking to see off the challenges of their fellow continental heavyweights.

Iliman Ndiaye’s first-half strike was enough for Senegal to beat 10-man Mali 1-0 in the first quarterfinal. Brahim Díaz scored again and host Morocco joined Senegal in the semifinals of the Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-0 win over Cameroon on Friday.

Ndidi will miss Nigeria’s semi-final clash against hosts Morocco regardless, due to suspension after picking up yellow cards in the Round of 16 and quarter-final matches.

Simon Hughes visits Asni, a village in the Atlas Mountains that was almost completely destroyed in the disaster but has since been rebuilt

Former champions Senegal, Egypt, Morocco and Nigeria are battling for the AFCON 2025 title, ensuring the trophy will stay with proven African heavyweights.

Pressure piles on hosts Morocco as they take on five-time champions Cameroon in AFCON’s heavyweight quarterfinal.