Morocco booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations final after beating Nigeria 4–2 on penalties in a tense semi-final that finished goalless after extra time.
The shootout hero was Yassine Bounou, who saved two Nigerian penalties to send the tournament hosts through. He denied efforts from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, giving Morocco the edge after a tight contest in Rabat.
Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali kept his side in the shootout early on by saving Morocco’s first kick from Hamza Igamane. But it was not enough. Youssef En-Nesyri calmly converted the final penalty to seal Morocco’s place in the final for the first time since 2004.
Morocco, who last won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1976, will now face Senegal in Sunday’s final, as they chase their first continental title in nearly 50 years.
Plenty of lost chances for both Morocco and Nigeria
The match itself offered few clear chances over 120 minutes. Morocco had more of the ball and forced Nigeria to defend deep, but struggled to break down a well-organised Super Eagles back line. Nigeria, who came into the semi-final as the tournament’s top scorers with 14 goals, were unusually quiet in attack.
Star striker Victor Osimhen was withdrawn shortly before the penalty shootout and had little impact during open play. One promising chance in the box was lost after a heavy touch, summing up Nigeria’s frustrating night.
Morocco went closest during normal time when Nayef Aguerd’s header from a corner struck the outside of the post. Midfielder Ismael Saibari also tested Nwabali with a long-range effort, but most of Morocco’s attempts were from distance and comfortably handled.
With neither side able to find a breakthrough, penalties always looked likely, and Bounou’s composure proved decisive.
Nigeria will now face Egypt in Saturday’s third-place playoff, while Morocco turn their attention to a high-stakes final in front of home supporters.
