Morocco have booked their place in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Nigeria in Rabat. The semi-final finished goalless after 120 tense minutes, but it was the tournament hosts who held their nerve from the spot to win 4-2.
Bounou the Shootout Hero for Hosts
The defining moments came from goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who produced two crucial saves to deny Nigeria. He first kept out Samuel Chukwueze's effort, before stopping Bruno Onyemaechi's penalty to put Morocco on the brink of victory. Nigeria's keeper, Stanley Nwabali, had earlier saved from Hamza Igamane, but it was not enough to swing the momentum.
With the score at 4-2 in the shootout, Youssef En Nesyri stepped up to convert Morocco's fifth and decisive penalty, sparking wild celebrations. The Sevilla striker's cool finish sealed a first appearance in the Afcon final for Morocco since 2004, when they were defeated by Tunisia.
A Tense and Goalless Affair
The preceding 120 minutes of football offered few clear-cut chances for either side. Morocco created the better of the opportunities during normal and extra time, but found Nwabali in inspired form for Nigeria. As the match wore on, both teams appeared to settle for the lottery of penalties, with Nigeria making the surprising decision to withdraw star striker Victor Osimhen moments before the shootout began.
Historic Final Awaits
The victory sets up a monumental final on Sunday, where Morocco will face Senegal. The Atlas Lions are now just one match away from ending a 50-year wait for a second continental title, having last won the tournament in 1976. For Nigeria, the dream is over, and they will now contest the third-place playoff against Egypt on Saturday.
The scenes at the final whistle were dominated by the Moroccan substitutes, who rushed onto the pitch to mob their heroic goalkeeper, Bounou, after his saves secured their historic passage to the final on home soil.
