Morocco face ferocious semi

Hosts Morocco have shown two different faces at the Africa Cup of Nations with some understandably nervous performances before a vivid display of competence to eliminate Cameroon in last weekend's quarterfinals.

- By Mark Gleeson

Brahim Diaz after scoring the opening goal in Morocco's 2-0 triumph over Cameroon in an AFCON quarter-final last Friday. They face back-to-form Nigeria in the second semi tonight.

(BackpagePix)

It was the clash that South Africa might have played in had they not been beaten by the Indomitable Lions, but watching the way Morocco outmuscled and outworked Cameroon, it’s probably just as well Bafana went home when they did.

Now the home team need to do it all over again tonight against Nigeria, who have shown a sudden turn in form that makes their failure to qualify for the World Cup a mystery.

They are the highest-scoring side at the tournament (14 goals) and with Victor Osimhen leading their attack have at their disposal arguably the most dangerous player at the tournament.