Morocco edges Nigeria in tense shootout to reach AFCON final
Host nation Morocco booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations final after a nail-biting 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Nigeria following a goalless 120 minutes in Rabat.
In a tense semifinal with few clear chances, the match was decided from the spot. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero, making two critical saves to deny Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi.
Youssef En-Nesyri then calmly converted the winning penalty, triggering wild celebrations at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The victory extends Morocco’s unbeaten run to 26 matches and sends them to their first final since 2004, as they seek a second continental title, their first since 1976. The team has carried the weight of a nation, with significant investment from the monarchy fueling hopes of a historic triumph on home soil.
For Nigeria, the defeat marks a painful exit, continuing their poor record against Morocco in the tournament and suffering penalty heartbreak for the second time in months. Coach Eric Chelle’s late substitution of star striker Victor Osimhen before the shootout will likely face scrutiny.
The Atlas Lions will face Senegal in Sunday’s final, where the pressure of a kingdom’s expectations will meet the defending champions’ resolve.
