Hosts Morocco held their nerve in Rabat, overcoming Nigeria 4-2 in a penalty shootout to secure a spot in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Hosts Morocco held their nerve in Rabat, overcoming Nigeria 4-2 in a penalty shootout to secure a spot in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Youssef En-Nesyri converted the decisive kick, rolling the ball into the bottom-left corner after goalkeeper Yassine Bounou had denied both Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi.
With opportunities scarce throughout 120 minutes, a shootout felt inevitable long before the final whistle.
Tournament leading scorer Brahim Diaz passed up the clearest opening of the first half, failing to direct a header cleanly after meeting Achraf Hakimi’s cross from the right. The Real Madrid forward’s effort glanced awkwardly off his shoulder.
Nigeria’s attacking threats, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, struggled to influence proceedings, with Lookman’s first-half attempt from range comfortably gathered.
The outcome sends Walid Regragui’s side into their first AFCON final since 2004, as they chase a first continental crown since lifting the trophy in 1976. They will remain in the capital for Sunday’s final against Senegal, who defeated Egypt 1-0 in the other semi-final.
Morocco extended their unbeaten sequence to 26 matches, a run dating back to their elimination at the last AFCON in 2023.
Despite that consistency, this represents only their second appearance in a final, heightening the anticipation inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium and across the country, where expectations are immense.
Significant investment in the sport over recent years has transformed the national game, and following their historic World Cup run in 2022, continental success is viewed as the remaining milestone.
The atmosphere was electric, yet Nigeria’s seasoned lineup absorbed early pressure effectively. Fulham centre-back Calvin Bassey was particularly impressive, even after receiving a yellow card midway through the first half for an accidental clash with Diaz.
Diaz also fired narrowly wide after cutting in from the flank, while Stanley Nwabali reacted well to block a close-range effort following clever work by Ismael Saibari.
After the interval, clear chances became even rarer. Loud appeals followed when Hakimi’s strike struck Bassey’s arm, but with a deflection and contact with the body beforehand, VAR opted against intervention.
Morocco controlled extra time territorially, though they were unable to carve out a decisive opening, finishing the match without conceding a goal once again.
Nigeria entered the shootout without Osimhen, who was substituted late in extra time. Paul Onuachu stepped up to equalise after Neil El Aynaoui had scored Morocco’s opener.
Hamza Igamane was the first to miss, but Chukwueze’s weak response immediately swung momentum back. Successful kicks from Eliesse Ben Seghir, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Hakimi followed.
Bounou then produced a stunning stop to keep out Onyemaechi, halting his movement mid-dive to repel the effort down the centre. That save set the stage for En-Nesyri, who sealed victory amid wild celebrations as supporters waved flags and flooded the pitch.
Nigeria’s hopes of a fourth title ended once more, extending their losing run against Morocco at AFCON to five matches. For the hosts, the pressure now intensifies ahead of a final that carries the weight of national expectation, with Senegal aiming to spoil the celebration.
