Morocco edge Nigeria on penalties to reach long-awaited AFCON final

In front of a packed Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, the hosts held their nerve in a dramatic shootout, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerging as the decisive figure after saving two Nigerian spot-kicks. Youssef En-Nesyri then sealed the victory with a composed final effort to send the Atlas Lions into their first AFCON final in 21 years, where they will face Senegal on Sunday, January 18.

The match itself was a finely balanced contest, marked by early intensity and cautious control as the magnitude of the occasion became clear. Morocco showed their attacking intent from the outset and nearly capitalised on a defensive error inside three minutes, only for Semi Ajayi to redeem himself with a crucial block to deny Ismael Saibari.

Brahim Diaz was a constant threat in the first half, curling narrowly wide and later missing with a header, while Achraf Hakimi's deliveries caused persistent problems for Nigeria's backline. Stanley Nwabali, however, stood firm in goal for the Super Eagles, producing key saves to keep the scores level.

Nigeria responded through Ademola Lookman, whose effort from range tested Bounou, while Victor Osimhen was kept quiet by a disciplined Moroccan defence that gave him little space to operate.

After the break, Morocco gradually asserted greater control, pushing Nigeria deeper and creating the clearer openings. Abde Ezzalzouli twice went close, once forcing a sharp save from Nwabali late in normal time as the hosts pressed for a breakthrough. Calvin Bassey was outstanding at the heart of Nigeria's defence, repeatedly repelling Moroccan attacks.

Extra time brought few genuine chances as fatigue set in and caution prevailed. Hamza Igamane and Eliesse Ben Seghir both had opportunities for Morocco, but neither side could find the decisive goal, sending the tie to penalties.

The shootout swung dramatically. After early conversions, Nwabali saved Hamza Igamane's attempt to give Nigeria an advantage, but Bounou immediately restored parity by denying Samuel Chukwueze. When the Moroccan keeper later produced a strong save to stop Bruno Onyemaechi, the momentum shifted decisively. En-Nesyri made no mistake with the final kick, sparking celebrations around the stadium.

For Morocco, the victory lifted the weight of expectation that has followed them throughout the tournament as hosts and keeps alive hopes of a first AFCON crown in 50 years. Nigeria, meanwhile, saw their bid for a second consecutive final end in disappointment and will now contest the third-place play-off against Egypt in Casablanca.