Morocco kept their Africa Cup of Nations dream alive after overcoming Nigeria 4-2 on penalties in a gripping semifinal that ended goalless after extra time in Rabat.
In front of a charged home crowd, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero, saving two Nigerian spot kicks before Youssef En-Nesyri calmly converted the winning penalty to send the hosts into the final.
The match itself offered few moments of attacking fluency over 120 minutes, but Morocco were the more purposeful side, creating the clearer chances and forcing Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali into a series of important interventions. Despite Nigeria arriving at the semifinal as the tournament’s most prolific attacking team, they struggled to impose themselves and rarely troubled the Moroccan defence.
Nigeria’s best opportunities were limited, with Victor Osimhen largely isolated and unable to influence proceedings in the final third. On the rare occasion he found space in the box, a heavy touch allowed the chance to slip away, reflecting a subdued attacking display from the Super Eagles.
Morocco, while not at their fluent best, controlled the tempo and pushed forward with greater intent. Ayoub El Kaabi came close in the first half when a corner fell invitingly to him inside the six-yard area, but hesitation proved costly as the chance passed. Ismael Saibari also tested Nwabali with a well-worked effort, while Nayef Aguerd struck the outside of the post from a set piece as the hosts pressed for a breakthrough.
As the match wore on, penalties appeared inevitable. When the shootout arrived, Bounou’s composure proved decisive as he denied Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, tilting the contest firmly in Morocco’s favour. En-Nesyri then stepped forward to seal victory and ignite celebrations inside the stadium.
The result sends Morocco into their first AFCON final since 2004 and keeps alive hopes of a first continental title since 1976. They will face defending champions Senegal in Sunday’s final, setting up a heavyweight clash between two of the tournament’s most consistent sides.
Nigeria, meanwhile, must regroup ahead of the third-place playoff against Egypt, left to reflect on a semifinal performance that fell short of the attacking standards they had shown earlier in the competition.
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