Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou praised his teammates for their intelligence and resilience after the Atlas Lions secured a place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Nigeria.
“The players did what was required in a match that was not easy at all, and the opponent delivered a very strong performance,” Bounou said.
“The atmosphere during the match was wonderful. I thank all the fans who supported us.”
Hosts Morocco survived a tense evening in Rabat, holding Nigeria to a 0-0 draw through extra time before prevailing 4-2 on penalties.
Bounou was instrumental in the shootout, saving attempts from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, while Youssef En-Nesyri calmly slotted home the decisive spot kick.
In a match dominated by caution, Morocco created few clear chances. Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz missed the team’s best opening just before the half-hour mark, misjudging a header from Achraf Hakimi’s cross.
Nigeria’s star forwards, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, struggled to make an impact, with Lookman’s first-half effort easily saved.
Bounou highlighted that the Moroccan side remained patient and disciplined, absorbing Nigeria’s early pressure for 65 minutes until the visitors began to tire, allowing Morocco to gradually impose their style on the game.
The win sends Walid Regragui’s side to their first AFCON final since 2004 and gives them a chance to lift the trophy on home soil for the first time since 1976. Morocco will remain in Rabat to face Senegal in Sunday’s final at 19:00 GMT, after the Teranga Lions defeated Egypt 1-0 in Wednesday’s first semi-final.
