Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has dedicated his outfit victory over Nigeria in the semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations to the fans.
The Atlas Lions triumphed over the Super Eagles on penalties following a pulsating goalless draw in both regular and extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium on Wednesday night.
The North African football heavyweights has now set up a fierce final clash against Senegal, who narrowly defeated Egypt. The high-staked clash has been scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026, with victory crucial to securing the title.
Speaking after the match, the former Sevilla shot stopper, who masterminded his outfit qualification dedicated the win to the fans, while turning attention to the Senegal showdown.
“We started the match well against Nigeria and were in control of the performance for 65 minutes, then there was a slight decline due to the physical strength of the opponent.”
“The Nigerian players played with great strength, but the Atlas Lions were up to the task and we faced them strongly.”
“I thank the fans who supported us, and this qualification is a gift to them. Our focus now is on the final against Senegal in order to win the title.”
“The team needed me against Nigeria, and thank God things went well. That’s football; sometimes it goes as we want, and sometimes it doesn’t. The most important thing is that we are in the final we dream of.”
For the first time since 2004, the Moroccan national team has qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations finals, and for the third time in its history after 1988.
Nigeria lost in the semi-finals for the ninth time, making them the team with the most losses at that stage.
