Tournament hosts Morocco moved one step closer to ending a 50-year AFCON title drought after edging Nigeria 4-2 on penalties following a tense goalless semi-final in Rabat. The highly anticipated clash, previewed by SoftFootball ahead of kick-off, lived up to expectations in intensity if not goals, as both sides cancelled each other out over 120 minutes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Nigeria arrived unbeaten and full of confidence after dispatching Algeria in the quarter-finals, a result that underlined their attacking strength earlier in the tournament. However, against a disciplined Moroccan side that had brushed aside Cameroon to reach the semis, chances were scarce, and patience was required from both teams.
The first half was cagey, with Morocco enjoying more of the ball but struggling to convert pressure into clear openings. Brahim Diaz and Achraf Hakimi both went close from distance, while Nigeria’s best moment came through Ademola Lookman, whose effort was well saved.
Stanley Nwabali stood firm for the Super Eagles, producing several key stops to keep the score level. After the break, Morocco increased the tempo, forcing Nigeria deeper. Nayef Aguerd struck the woodwork from a corner in extra time, while Hamza Igamane tested Nwabali again as the Atlas Lions pushed for a winner.
Nigeria, by contrast, found attacking rhythm hard to sustain, managing just two shots across the entire contest. Victor Osimhen was largely isolated and eventually withdrawn late in extra time, a decision that later drew debate.
With no breakthrough forthcoming, penalties decided the outcome, as shared by CAF’s official X account. Morocco held their nerve, and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the decisive figure, saving spot-kicks from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi.
Achraf Hakimi converted calmly before Youssef En-Nesyri stepped up to dispatch the winning penalty and ignite celebrations inside the stadium. For Nigeria, it was a heartbreaking end to an otherwise impressive campaign in which they had swept past opponents with authority.
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Morocco, buoyed by home support and defensive resilience, now advance to their first AFCON final since 2004, where Senegal await in Rabat. With history beckoning, the Atlas Lions will believe this could finally be their moment to reclaim continental glory.
