Morocco secured a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations final by beating Nigeria 4–2 in a tense penalty shootout after a goalless draw in Rabat on Wednesday night. Youssef En-Nesyri scored the winning penalty, sending the hosts to their first final since 2004. They will play Senegal on Sunday.
The Atlas Lions are aiming for just their second continental title and their first in 50 years. They stayed calm even after Hamza Igamane missed his penalty. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was the hero, saving shots from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemeachi before En-Nesyri secured the win in front of a cheering home crowd at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
First-Half Battle
Morocco controlled the ball early, encouraged by their home fans. Abde Ezzalzouli almost took advantage of a mistake by Nigeria, but Semi Ajayi blocked his shot. Nigeria soon found their rhythm, with Calvin Bassey passing well from defense and Alex Iwobi leading the midfield. Bright Osayi-Samuel made a strong run into the box, but the referee ignored the penalty appeals.
Brahim Díaz nearly scored, sending his shot just wide. Bassey received a yellow card after a challenge with Díaz, which some thought was harsh. Hakimi’s free kick landed on top of the net, and Ismael Saibari forced a save from Stanley Nwabali before halftime.
Second Half and Extra Time
Early in the second half, Nigeria’s Raphael Onyedika missed a good chance, sending his shot wide. Morocco answered with Ezzalzouli forcing a save from Nwabali, and Ayoub El Kaabi was stopped by a late tackle from Bassey.
The match became more intense as Morocco pushed forward and Nigeria defended strongly. Hakimi’s powerful shot deflected off Bassey’s leg and arm, leading to loud penalty appeals, but the referee said no. Ezzalzouli had another late chance, but Nwabali stopped him.
In extra time, Morocco kept attacking. Nayef Aguerd hit the post, and Igamane missed a clear opportunity. Nigeria brought on Moses Simon and Paul Onuachu, but neither team could score, so the match went to penalties.
Penalties
Neil El Aynaoui and Onuachu scored the first penalties, but Igamane’s weak shot was saved. Chukwueze came on late but missed his penalty, which was saved by Bounou. Ben Seghir, Dele Bashiru, and Hakimi all scored for Morocco, and after Onyemeachi missed, En-Nesyri finished the job. sends Morocco into Sunday’s final against Senegal, who earlier defeated Egypt 1–0 in Tangier. For Nigeria, the shootout heartbreak ends their campaign, while Morocco’s dream of ending a five-decade wait for AFCON glory remains alive.
