Host nation Morocco advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final after defeating Nigeria 4-2 on penalties following a goalless draw at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday night. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero for the Atlas Lions, saving two penalties to send Morocco into their first AFCON final since 2004 and keep alive their dreams of a first continental title since 1976.
The match itself was a tightly contested affair with Morocco dominating possession but struggling to break down a resolute Nigerian defense. Victor Osimhen, who had been in sensational form throughout the tournament, was expertly marshalled by Morocco's backline, while Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz found little space to operate in the attacking third. Morocco registered 13 shots compared to Nigeria's two, but neither side could find the breakthrough in 120 minutes of play.
The Super Eagles entered the semi-final having won all five of their previous matches in the tournament, scoring a competition-high 14 goals. Morocco, meanwhile, had built their campaign on defensive solidity, keeping four clean sheets in five games and conceding just once. The contrasting styles produced a cagey encounter that ultimately required penalties to determine the finalist.
In the shootout, Bounou proved to be the difference. The Al-Hilal goalkeeper saved efforts from Samuel Chukwueze and Onyemaechi to give Morocco the decisive advantage. Hamza Igamane missed for Morocco, but Bounou's heroics rendered that miss inconsequential. Eliesse Ben Seghir, Achraf Hakimi, and Youssef En-Nesyri all converted their penalties, with En-Nesyri striking the decisive spot-kick to spark wild celebrations among the home supporters.
The victory means Morocco will face Senegal in the AFCON 2025 final, setting up a mouth-watering clash between two of Africa's most talented squads. Senegal booked their place in the final earlier in the day with a 1-0 victory over Egypt, courtesy of a Sadio Mane goal. The final promises to be a spectacular occasion as Morocco aims to win the tournament on home soil for the first time.
For Nigeria, the defeat ends their hopes of claiming a fourth AFCON title and extends their wait for continental glory since 2013. The Super Eagles will now face Egypt in the third-place playoff, a match that offers some consolation but falls far short of their ambitions coming into the tournament. Coach Augustine Eguavoen will rue his side's inability to convert their impressive group-stage form into a final appearance.
Morocco's journey to the final continues to captivate the host nation, with the Atlas Lions now just one victory away from ending a 49-year drought without an AFCON trophy. The final against Senegal will take place at the same venue on Sunday, with the entire country united behind their team in pursuit of continental glory.
