Hosts Morocco are through to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final for the first time in over two decades after edging Nigeria 4-2 on penalties following a tense, scoreless semi-final in Rabat on Wednesday night.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the decisive figure under the floodlights at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, producing two crucial saves during the shootout to lift the Atlas Lions into Sunday’s title match and ignite celebrations among the home faithful.
After 90 minutes of end-to-end football and a cagey extra-time period failed to separate the sides, the contest moved to penalties, where composure and nerve proved decisive. Bounou denied Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, swinging momentum firmly in Morocco’s favour.
The shootout opened with goals from Neil El Aynaoui and Nigeria’s Paul Onuachu, before Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali briefly raised Nigerian hopes by stopping Hamza Igamane’s effort. However, Bounou immediately responded, reading Chukwueze’s kick to perfection and restoring parity.
Both Eliesse Ben Seghir and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru converted confidently before captain Achraf Hakimi stepped up to fire Morocco ahead. Bounou then sealed his hero status by blocking Onyemaechi’s penalty, paving the way for Youssef En-Nesyri to calmly dispatch the decisive kick and send the stadium into raptures.
The semi-final itself was a tightly contested affair, marked by tactical discipline and moments of attacking promise at both ends. Morocco looked to control possession and stretch the Nigerian defence, with Brahim Díaz and Ismail Saibari probing, while Nigeria carried threat through Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen was closely monitored throughout by Morocco’s backline, limiting his impact, while Nigeria’s defence, marshalled superbly by Calvin Bassey, stood firm against prolonged pressure, particularly after the interval.
Morocco came closest to breaking the deadlock in normal time when Abde Ezzalzouli curled a dangerous effort towards goal, only for Nwabali to produce a fine save. As legs tired in extra time, both sides opted for caution, preferring not to concede rather than chase a risky winner.
For Nigeria, the defeat brings an end to hopes of back-to-back AFCON final appearances. The Super Eagles will now shift focus to the third-place playoff against Egypt in Casablanca.
Morocco, meanwhile, move one step closer to a fairytale finish on home soil. With the burden of expectation now replaced by belief, the Atlas Lions will look to crown their AFCON campaign with a second continental title when they take to the pitch in Sunday’s final.
