Morocco have sealed their place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after holding their nerve to defeat Nigeria 4-2 on penalties following a tense semi-final encounter on Wednesday night.
The hosts prevailed in a dramatic shootout at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah to keep their dream of continental glory alive.
The second semi-final of the tournament brought together two African heavyweights, and the contest lived up to its billing from the opening exchanges. Morocco came close to breaking the deadlock early on when Brahim Díaz found space on the edge of the box in the ninth minute, but his effort flashed narrowly wide of the left post.
Nigeria responded with purpose and nearly took the lead six minutes later. Ademola Lookman connected well with a pass just outside the area and directed a low shot towards the bottom left corner, but Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was alert and produced a fine save to keep the scores level.
Both teams continued to trade chances as the match progressed, with goalkeepers playing a decisive role. In the 39th minute, Stanley Nwabali produced a moment of brilliance for Nigeria, denying Noussair Mazraoui from close range after the Moroccan defender weaved past several challenges and fired goalwards.
As the match wore on, Morocco pushed harder in search of a breakthrough. Late in regulation time, Abde Ezzalzouli thought he had found the winner after a brilliant first touch on the edge of the box, but once again Nwabali was equal to the task, diving low to make a crucial save and force the contest into extra time.
Extra time was marked by caution and control, with both sides wary of making costly mistakes. Nigeria enjoyed a strong spell in the 113th minute, keeping possession through sharp one-touch passing and dictating the tempo, but clear chances remained scarce as the deadlock persisted.
With neither side able to find a decisive goal, the semi-final was settled by penalties. Morocco held their composure from the spot, converting four of their efforts, while goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero by saving two Nigerian penalties to secure a 4-2 shootout victory.
The result sends Morocco through to the AFCON 2025 final, where they will face Senegal in a mouth-watering showdown on Sunday, January 18.
