Host nation Morocco kept their Africa Cup of Nations dream alive on Wednesday night after edging Nigeria’s Super Eagles 4–2 on penalties in a gripping semi-final encounter at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
After 120 minutes of intense, scoreless football that tested both sides’ discipline and endurance, the contest was settled from the spot, where Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the decisive figure.
The experienced shot-stopper produced two crucial saves during the shoot-out, steering the Atlas Lions into Sunday’s final.
Bounou denied Samuel Chukwueze with Nigeria’s opening kick before later pulling off a superb stop to keep out Bruno Onyemaechi’s effort.
His heroics paved the way for Youssef En-Nesyri to calmly convert the decisive penalty, triggering jubilant celebrations among players and supporters alike.
There was a brief moment of anxiety for the home side when Hamza Igamane saw his attempt saved by Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, leaving the young forward visibly distraught.
However, Morocco’s senior players showed composure under pressure, with captain Achraf Hakimi among those who confidently found the net to keep the hosts on course.
The semi-final itself was a tense, tactical affair, with both teams cancelling each other out over 90 minutes and extra time.
Nigeria defended resolutely and threatened sporadically on the counter, while Morocco enjoyed more possession but struggled to break through a disciplined Super Eagles back line.
Morocco’s victory sets up a mouth-watering final clash against Senegal, who earlier in the day secured their place in the showpiece by defeating Egypt 1–0, courtesy of a decisive strike from Sadio Mané.
The final will pit Africa’s two highest-ranked teams against each other, a fitting conclusion to the tournament.
For Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui, the result keeps alive the nation’s quest for a first AFCON title in nearly five decades.
Playing on home soil, the Atlas Lions have carried heavy expectations throughout the competition, but the backing of a passionate Rabat crowd continues to fuel their momentum.
For Nigeria, the defeat is a heartbreaking end to a spirited campaign.
The Super Eagles once again fall just short of the final, two years after suffering a similar fate in a title match against tournament hosts in Côte d’Ivoire.
Despite the disappointment, their performance throughout the competition earned widespread praise.
As Morocco now turn their attention to Sunday’s final, the stage is set for a high-stakes showdown that promises drama, quality, and continental pride.
