Morocco booked a place in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final after edging Nigeria 4–2 on penalties following a tense 0–0 draw after extra time in Wednesday’s semi-final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged the hero for the hosts, saving spot-kicks from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi in the shoot-out. His interventions paved the way for Youssef En-Nesyri to convert the decisive penalty and ignite wild celebrations among the home fans.
Despite a miss by Hamza Igamane—who saw his effort stopped by Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali—Morocco kept their composure, with captain Achraf Hakimi and other teammates calmly finding the net.
The result ended Nigeria’s hopes in agonising fashion, coming two years after the Super Eagles lost the final to hosts Ivory Coast. Morocco, under coach Walid Regragui, remain under intense pressure to secure a first AFCON title in 50 years but will take confidence from their resilience and home support.
Morocco will now face Senegal in Sunday’s final after the Lions of Teranga defeated Egypt 1–0 in the other semi-final, courtesy of a Sadio Mané strike.
The final promised a fitting showdown between Africa’s top two sides in the FIFA rankings.
