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Morocco Edge Nigeria on Penalties to Reach Historic AFCON Final

Hosts Morocco held their nerve in a tense semi-final in Rabat, defeating Nigeria 4–2 on penalties to book a place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

After a cagey contest that produced few clear chances, Youssef En-Nesyri converted the decisive spot-kick, sending the home crowd into raptures after goalkeeper Yassine Bounou denied efforts from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi in the shootout.

With both sides well organised, a penalty shootout appeared inevitable early on. Morocco’s best opportunity in open play fell to tournament top scorer Brahim Diaz, who misjudged a header from Achraf Hakimi’s cross just before the half-hour mark. Nigeria, meanwhile, struggled to feed their attacking stars, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman largely starved of service. Lookman’s long-range effort before the break was comfortably saved.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Morocco controlling possession but finding chances hard to come by. Appeals for a penalty when Hakimi’s shot struck Calvin Bassey were waved away, correctly so, as VAR confirmed the ball had deflected off another defender and struck the Nigerian centre-back’s body first.

Extra time brought sustained Moroccan pressure but no breakthrough, and Nigeria entered the shootout without Osimhen, who was substituted late on. While Paul Onuachu calmly converted Nigeria’s opening kick, costly misses from Chukwueze and Onyemaechi proved decisive, with Bounou producing a stunning save to deny the latter.

The victory sends Walid Regragui’s side into their first AFCON final since 2004 and extends their unbeaten run to 26 matches. Morocco are chasing a first continental title since 1976 and will remain in Rabat to face Senegal in Sunday’s final, after the defending champions edged Egypt in the other semi-final.

For Nigeria, the defeat brings another painful chapter. The Super Eagles have now lost five consecutive AFCON matches against Morocco and suffer penalty heartbreak once again, just months after their shootout loss to DR Congo in World Cup qualifying.

As Morocco move one step closer to glory on home soil, anticipation builds ahead of a final that promises intensity, pressure, and continental significance.