Morocco is set to clash with Nigeria in the semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations next Wednesday, with a place in the final and a step closer to the continental crown at stake.
However, three key Moroccan players will need to exercise extreme caution, as a yellow card in this match would rule them out of the next game, potentially the final.
Yellow cards accumulated during the group stage were wiped clean before the knockout rounds, meaning disciplinary records now apply only to the elimination matches. In this context, Morocco already has three players carrying yellow cards into the semi-final.
Ismael Saibari received his booking during Morocco’s Round of 16 clash with Tanzania. Meanwhile, both Soufiane Rahimi and Bilal El Khannouss were cautioned in the quarter-final against Cameroon, leaving all three on the brink of suspension. Their presence or absence could prove pivotal for Morocco as they aim to advance.
Coaches and players are acutely aware of the stakes. While Morocco will focus on defeating a strong Nigerian side, managing the risk of suspensions adds another layer of strategy to an already high-pressure fixture. The team must balance aggression and discipline to avoid jeopardising its chances in the tournament’s final stages.
The semi-final draw also sees Egypt face Senegal, with the winners of both matches set to meet in the final on Sunday.
For Morocco, keeping Saibari, Rahimi, and El Khannouss on the pitch could be crucial in maintaining momentum and depth as they pursue the nation’s second AFCON title.
