Morocco edged past Nigeria on penalties to reach the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a tense and goalless semi final that was decided by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou’s brilliance from the spot at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The Super Eagles were chasing a fourth AFCON crown, while hosts Morocco were aiming to lift the trophy for the first time since 1976. Backed by a passionate home crowd, Morocco started brightly and dominated early possession, with loud whistles greeting every Nigerian touch. Nigeria had an early scare in the fourth minute when Semi Ajayi lost the ball to Ismael Saibari, but the defender recovered well to make a crucial block.
Nigeria grew into the game and threatened in the 15th minute when Ademola Lookman struck a long range effort that forced Bounou into a sharp save. Morocco responded through Achraf Hakimi, whose deliveries from the right caused problems, with Youssef El Kaabi and Brahim Diaz both going close before halftime. Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was also called into action late in the first half to deny Bilal El Khannouss from inside the box.
Morocco continued to push after the break and nearly broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute when Abde Ezzalzouli tested Nwabali with a low drive that required a full stretch save. As the game wore on, Nigeria’s defence, led by Calvin Bassey, stood firm under sustained pressure. Nwabali produced another important save in the 84th minute to keep out Ezzalzouli’s curling effort, ensuring the match went into extra time after a scoreless 90 minutes.
Extra time brought few clear chances as fatigue set in. Substitute Igamane flashed a shot wide, while Nigeria relied on strong defensive work from Bright Osayi Samuel to deal with Morocco’s crosses. Both teams made late substitutions, including Victor Osimhen’s withdrawal in the closing moments, before the contest was settled by penalties.
The shootout swung in Morocco’s favour as Bounou saved efforts from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi after Nwabali had earlier denied Igamane. Youssef En Nesyri then stepped up to convert the decisive penalty, sealing a 4-2 shootout victory for the hosts.
The win sends Morocco into the AFCON 2025 final, where they will face defending champions Senegal, while Nigeria’s hopes of continental glory end in heartbreak despite a disciplined and resilient performance.
