Morocco will be seeking to avenge their painful 1988 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final defeat to Cameroon when the two sides meet in Friday’s quarterfinal clash, reigniting one of the tournament’s long-standing rivalries.
The encounter marks the fourth meeting between Morocco and Cameroon at AFCON finals, with the Indomitable Lions unbeaten against the Atlas Lions in the competition, recording two wins and one draw. It is also their first AFCON meeting this century and the first time the sides face each other at the quarterfinals in 39 years.
Their AFCON rivalry began at the 1986 finals, where the teams played out a 1-1 draw in the group stages. Abdelkrim Krimau gave Morocco the lead in the 63rd minute before legendary striker Roger Milla equalised late on in the 89th minute, a result that allowed both teams to progress from Group B.
Two years later, Cameroon shattered Moroccan hopes on home soil, eliminating the hosts in the 1988 semi-finals thanks to a 78th-minute strike from Cyril Makanaky, a defeat that still lingers in Moroccan football memory.
However, Morocco head coach Walid Regragui insists history will not influence tonight’s contest.
“Cameroon knocked us out in the 1988 semi-final, but the past is the past. Today we are a new Morocco,” Regragui said.
He recalled recent encounters between the sides, including a 2018 meeting won by Morocco, and drew from his own experience. “I faced Cameroon twice as a player, with a win and a draw. They are a strong team, so our players must give maximum effort to win,” he said.
Regragui also acknowledged the pressure of playing on home soil but praised Moroccan supporters for their discipline and support in recent matches.
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