Morocco's forward #10 Brahim Diaz (R) celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) round of 16 football match between Morocco and Tanzania at Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat on January 4, 2026. (Photo by Gabriel BOUYS / AFP)
Tournament hosts Morocco and five-time champions Cameroon have successfully navigated their Round of 16 fixtures to secure a highly anticipated quarter-final showdown. On Sunday, January 4, 2026, both nations delivered resilient performances in Rabat to advance past stubborn opposition.
The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon ended a significant seven-match winless streak against South Africa by securing a 2–1 victory, while the Atlas Lions of Morocco delighted their home supporters with a disciplined 1–0 win over Tanzania.
Cameroon struggled to find their offensive rhythm during the early stages of the encounter but eventually broke the deadlock in the 34th minute. After South Africa failed to convincingly clear a corner, Junior Tchamadeu pounced on a loose ball in the box to curl home his maiden international goal. The Indomitable Lions immediately asserted further dominance after the interval as Christian Kofane met a pinpoint cross from Aboubakar Nagida to double the lead in the 47th minute. Despite a relentless late surge from Bafana Bafana, which included a goal from Evidence Makgopa in the 88th minute and several spectacular saves by Devis Epassy, Cameroon maintained their lead to progress.
Earlier at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Morocco faced a tactically organized Tanzania side that frustrated the hosts for over an hour. The Atlas Lions dominated possession throughout the contest and saw an early header from Ismael Saibari chalked off for offside following a VAR review. While the Tanzanian defense successfully limited Morocco to zero shots on target in the first half, the hosts increased their intensity after the break. Hussein Masalanga produced a vital save to deny Abde Ezzalzouli, while Feisal Salum missed a clear opportunity for the visitors before Real Madrid playmaker Brahim Díaz finally settled the tie.
Díaz secured the victory in the 64th minute with a strike from a narrow angle, marking his fourth goal of the competition and moving him to the top of the tournament’s scoring charts. Morocco managed the closing stages with composure to preserve their clean sheet and confirm their place in the last eight. The quarter-final match between Morocco and Cameroon will take place on Friday, January 9, at 8:00 PM, representing a heavyweight clash between the tournament favorites and one of Africa’s most successful footballing dynasties.
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