Yassine Bounou named Man of the Match in Morocco’s win against Nigeria after a nerve‑shredding semi-final in Rabat that ended 0–0 and was decided from the spot.
The Sevilla goalkeeper rose to the occasion in front of a packed Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, saving two penalties in the shootout as Morocco triumphed 4–2 to reach their first AFCON final in 21 years.
Across 120 tense minutes, Bounou was a calming presence, dealing confidently with efforts from Ademola Lookman and keeping Victor Osimhen under control behind a disciplined back line.
When the tie moved to penalties, he underlined his reputation as one of Africa’s elite goalkeepers, reading Samuel Chukwueze’s kick perfectly before stretching out a strong hand to deny Bruno Onyemaechi.
Earlier, Neil El Aynaoui and Paul Onuachu had exchanged successful penalties, and Nigeria briefly led after Stanley Nwabali saved from Hamza Igamane. But Morocco’s takers, including Eliesse Ben Seghir and captain Achraf Hakimi, held their nerve before Youssef En‑Nesyri buried the decisive kick to send the Atlas Lions into a historic final against Senegal.
