In a tense semi-final showdown, Morocco’s Atlas Lions edged out Nigeria 4-2 on penalties after a gripping 0-0 draw, securing their spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
The match, played last Wednesday at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, showcased the hosts’ resilience and set up a blockbuster clash against Senegal this Sunday evening in the same venue.
The hero of the night was captain Achraf Hakimi, whose coolly converted penalty helped seal the victory.
Stepping up during the shootout, the Paris Saint-Germain star admitted the moment was loaded with emotion. “Always Morocco,” he told reporters afterward. “‘Always Morocco.’ At that moment during the penalty shootout, many things went through my head, I won’t deny that. I had many memories, including the penalty kick in Côte d’Ivoire, when I wanted to help my team and unfortunately I did not score it.”
That painful memory dates back to the previous AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, where Hakimi missed a crucial spot-kick against South Africa in the round of 16, contributing to Morocco’s early exit.
This time, surrounded by the roar of the home crowd, redemption felt sweet.
“Everyone gave me confidence, the first of whom was the coach, whom I thank. We worked hard and developed this aspect, and thank God the ball went into the net. I was watching the goalkeeper’s movements a little and how he was going with my teammates’ shots, and then I realized and saw that there was room to shoot and the ball passed very well into the goal.”
Hakimi’s journey in this tournament hadn’t been straightforward. Doubts loomed over his participation after a serious injury in a Champions League clash against Bayern Munich last November.
He missed Morocco’s opening two group games, entered as a substitute against Zambia, and then started every knockout match, proving his enduring value as a leader and world-class right-back.
Now, with the final against Senegal just hours away, Morocco stands on the brink of their first AFCON title since 1976, on home soil, no less. For Hakimi and his teammates, it’s a chance to turn painful memories into lasting glory.
