The 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations saw its first two semi-finalists confirmed on Friday, as Senegal and tournament hosts Morocco both secured hard-fought victories in their respective quarter-final clashes. Both matches delivered intense football action, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the tournament.

Defending champions, the Teranga Lions of Senegal, booked their spot in the semi-finals after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mali at the Tangier Grand Stadium. The decisive moment came in the 27th minute when Iliman Ndiaye capitalised on a loose ball following a handling error by Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, calmly converting to give Senegal the lead. Senegal had shown early attacking intent with El Hadji Malick Diouf's dangerous cross, and despite a potential penalty call against Kalidou Koulibaly for a challenge on Lassine Sinayoko that went in Senegal's favour, they maintained their composure. Mali’s challenges deepened significantly in stoppage time of the first half when captain Yves Bissouma received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge, reducing his side to 10 men for the entire second half. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Mali displayed courage, with Sinayoko and Abdoulaye Diaby testing Senegal's goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, who made crucial saves. Senegal coach Pape Thiaw introduced Lamine Camara and Pathé Ciss to solidify his team's control. Though not their most fluent performance, Senegal managed the game effectively to extend their remarkable unbeaten run inside 90 minutes at AFCON finals to 16 matches, comprising 11 wins and five draws. Senegal will now face the winner of the quarter-final between record champions Egypt and holders Ivory Coast as they continue their bid for another AFCON title.

In Rabat, the Atlas Lions of Morocco roared past Cameroon with a convincing 2-0 win at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium to also secure their place in the semi-finals. Goals in either half from Brahim Díaz and Ismail Saibari sealed a memorable triumph for the hosts. Morocco, coming off an unconvincing Round of 16 win, responded emphatically, delivering a performance brimming with authority and intensity. This victory carried extra significance as it ended a long-standing hoodoo against Cameroon, marking just their third victory over them in 13 encounters across all competitions and their first ever win against them at AFCON. From the outset, Morocco pressed high, dominated possession, and their early dominance was rewarded in the 26th minute when Real Madrid forward Brahim Díaz struck for his fifth goal in Rabat, guiding the ball into the net after Ayoub El Kaabi flicked on an Achraf Hakimi corner. Díaz’s goal was historic, making him only the second player in AFCON history to score in five consecutive matches. Cameroon emerged with renewed energy in the second half but found little joy against Morocco's disciplined defence. The decisive blow came in the 74th minute when Ismail Saibari calmly swept a low effort into the bottom corner from an Abde Ezzalzouli free-kick, assisted by Nayef Aguerd’s clever touch. Morocco closed out the match with control and composure, much to the delight of their passionate home crowd. Morocco will now await the winner between Algeria and Nigeria in the last four.

Post-match reactions highlighted the intensity and pride of the teams. Iliman Ndiaye, Man of the Match for Senegal, expressed happiness for the award but emphasized team progression. Mali coach Tom Saintfiet praised his players' gallantry despite playing with ten men, noting their strong performance throughout the competition. Senegal coach Pape Thiaw acknowledged the challenge from a talented Mali team and the need for more clinical finishing. For Morocco, Ismail Saibari, also named Man of the Match, stressed the team's strong defensive and attacking efforts and their collective fight for the title. Cameroon Head Coach David Pagou expressed pride in his young squad's competitive spirit, despite the defeat. Morocco Head Coach Walid Regragui thanked his players and fans, highlighting their well-deserved qualification and the special performance of Brahim Díaz, while also stressing the need for humility moving forward as they aim to write history by reaching the final after not having been in the semi-finals since 2004.