Sports
Morocco Edge Nigeria on Penalties to Reach AFCON Final
Hosts Morocco held their nerve to defeat Nigeria 4-2 on penalties after a tense, goalless semi-final at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged the hero, saving spot-kicks from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi before Youssef En-Nesyri calmly rolled home the decisive effort.
The contest produced few clear chances, with both sides cancelling each other out over 120 minutes.
Morocco came closest in the first half when tournament top scorer Brahim Diaz misjudged a header from Achraf Hakimi’s cross, while Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman were largely kept quiet, feeding off scraps as the Atlas Lions controlled possession.
Morocco dominated extra time without finding a breakthrough but showed greater composure in the shootout to secure their first AFCON final appearance since 2004.
The win also extended their unbeaten run to 26 matches. Walid Regragui’s side will now face Senegal edged Egypt by a lone goal in Sunday’s final at 8:00 pm WAT, as they bid to lift the trophy on home soil for the first time since 1976.
Nigeria’s hopes of a fourth continental title ended in familiar penalty heartbreak, their second shootout defeat in three months, while Morocco move one step closer to what their fans hope will be a historic triumph.
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