Tournament hosts Morocco booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations final after defeating Nigeria 4–2 on penalties following a tense, goalless semi-final in Rabat.
In a contest shaped by caution and defensive discipline, neither side was able to find a breakthrough across 120 minutes, with goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Yassine Bounou both producing key saves to keep the tie level.
Morocco, chasing a first continental title since 1976, saw more of the ball in the opening half but struggled to convert possession into clear chances. Brahim Díaz and Adam Masina both went close, while Achraf Hakimi’s long-range free-kick clipped the roof of the net.
Nigeria threatened sporadically on the counter, with Ademola Lookman testing Bounou before the break, but Éric Chelle’s side found openings hard to come by as the game wore on.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with chances at a premium. Raphael Onyedika and Abde Ezzalzouli each forced saves as both teams became increasingly wary of making a costly mistake.
Extra time failed to alter the balance. Morocco struck the post through Nayef Aguerd, while Nigeria, who had been one of the tournament’s most resilient sides defensively, struggled to create meaningful opportunities in the final third.
The semi-final was eventually decided from the penalty spot. Nigeria were handed early hope when Hamza Igamane’s effort was saved, but Samuel Chukwueze missed at the other end to level the shoot-out.
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After Achraf Hakimi converted confidently, Bruno Onyemaechi’s miss proved decisive, allowing Youssef En-Nesyri to step up and fire Morocco into the final with a powerful finish.
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The Atlas Lions will now face defending champions Senegal in Sunday’s final, as the hosts move one step closer to ending their long wait for continental glory.
