Morocco secured a 1-0 victory over Cameroon in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, thanks to a goal from Mohamed Habib Zinbi in the 17th minute.

This win marks Morocco’s third consecutive semi-final appearance, where they will face either Senegal or Mali on Thursday.

Despite not playing as strongly as in the group stage, Morocco’s defense held firm, with goalkeeper Rayan Yaakoubi making key saves, particularly against Cameroon’s Arnold Massokon.

Cameroon struggled to equalize in the second half, with several chances either going wide or being blocked. Coach Tiago Lima Pereira lauded his team’s maturity in maintaining their lead.

For Cameroon, this loss was disappointing after bouncing back from an initial defeat against Côte d’Ivoire to reach the knockout stage. While they created opportunities, their failures in the final moments cost them.

The win showed that Morocco can adapt their game style when needed. After finishing Group A with seven points, they demonstrated they can endure pressure and secure a win.

The Atlas Cubs are now just one match away from the final, with the chance to lift the trophy on home soil still alive.