By Sport Analyst
Emmanuel Afonja
Hosts Morocco booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations final after defeating Nigeria 4–2 on penalties following a goalless draw after extra time in a tense semifinal encounter in Rabat.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero of the night, saving two Nigerian penalties, before Youssef En-Nesyri calmly converted the decisive spot kick to seal Morocco’s passage to the final. The result keeps the Atlas Lions on course for a first AFCON title in nearly five decades.
Morocco will now face reigning champions Senegal in Sunday’s final in Rabat. Senegal secured their place earlier with a 1–0 victory over Egypt in Tangier, courtesy of a decisive strike from Sadio Mané. Nigeria, meanwhile, will contest the third-place playoff against Egypt.
The semifinal itself was a cagey affair, with both teams cancelling each other out over 120 minutes. Clear chances were few, but Morocco were the more adventurous side and created the better openings. Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was kept busy throughout and produced several impressive saves to keep his side in the contest.
Despite arriving at the semifinal as the tournament’s most prolific attacking team, Nigeria struggled to impose themselves offensively. Their usually potent frontline failed to spark, offering little threat in a subdued attacking display.
Morocco came closest in the first half when Achraf Hakimi’s corner fell invitingly to Ayoub El Kaabi inside the box, but hesitation cost the striker as the chance slipped away. Ismael Saibari later fashioned a shooting opportunity with clever footwork, only to be denied again by Nwabali. Nayef Aguerd also went close with a header that struck the outside of the post.
Nigeria’s rare opportunities were limited, with star striker Victor Osimhen unable to capitalise on a promising moment in the penalty area after a heavy touch let him down.
As the match wore on, penalties appeared inevitable, and so it proved. In the shootout, Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi both saw their efforts saved by Bounou, handing Morocco the advantage. En-Nesyri then stepped up to confidently convert the winning kick, sparking celebrations among the home crowd.
Efficient and disciplined throughout the tournament, Morocco are now just one win away from lifting the AFCON trophy for the first time since 1976. Standing in their way is a formidable Senegal side, widely regarded as the competition’s most complete team.
For Nigeria, the defeat marked a disappointing end to their title hopes, with questions to be asked after a performance that lacked urgency and attacking intent on the biggest stage.
