Morocco Beat Nigeria on Penalties to Reach AFCON Final
Tight contest between Nigeria and Morocco.
Accra-Ghana, Morocco will face Senegal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final after defeating Nigeria 4–2 on penalties following a goalless semifinal at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday night.
The tightly closely fought match remained deadlocked after 120 minutes, with neither side able to break through despite several promising attacks. Morocco created more openings during regulation time, but Nigeria’s defence and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali were strong in repelling them. The deadlock set the scene for a penalty shootout that ultimately decided the tie.
In the shootout, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou proved decisive, saving two spot kicks to secure the victory for the hosts. Youssef En Nesyri stepped up to score the crucial penalty that sealed a 4–2 shootout win and booked Morocco’s place in Sunday’s final.
Nigeria entered the match in strong form, having won five consecutive games in the tournament and boasting a potent attack led by key forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. They reached the semifinals after a 2–0 win against Algeria in the quarterfinals, a result that exhibited their attacking depth and balance.
Morocco’s task was powered by home support and team discipline. The Atlas Lions had earlier booked their semifinal berth with a composed 2–0 victory over Cameroon. Their balanced performance carried them through a tense encounter with Nigeria and brought them one step closer to winning their first Africa Cup of Nations title since 1976.
Bounou named The TotalEnergies Man of the Match.
Senegal, which Morocco will face in the final, secured its spot earlier that day with a slim 1–0 win over Egypt in the first semifinal. Sadio Mané’s 78th-minute strike was enough to send the Teranga Lions into the championship match.
Senegal, which Morocco will face in the final, secured its spot earlier that day with a slim 1–0 win over Egypt in the first semifinal. Sadio Mané’s 78th-minute strike was enough to send the Teranga Lions into the championship match.
For Nigeria, the defeat ends their campaign and sends them into the third-place playoff, where they will face Egypt. The Super Eagles remain one of Africa’s most consistent sides but will be disappointed to see their bid for another AFCON final come up just short.
The final is scheduled to take place on January 18, 2026, in Rabat, where Morocco will look to capitalise on home advantage as they bid to lift the coveted AFCON trophy.
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