By Ghazali Ibrahim
Morocco advanced to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 after a tense semi-final clash with Nigeria ended in a penalty-shootout victory on Wednesday.
The match finished 0-0 after extra time, before Morocco won 4-2 on penalties at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Neither side could find the breakthrough in open play over 120 minutes, with both defences holding firm and few clear scoring chances created. Nigeria’s attack, led by Victor Osimhen, managed just two shots in the entire match, their lowest tally in an AFCON game since records began. Morocco posed more threat but were also unable to convert.
The decisive moment came in the shootout. Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was the hero of the night, saving penalties from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, while Youssef En-Nesyri calmly scored the winning spot kick to send the hosts through to the final.
For Nigeria, Paul Onuachu and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru converted their penalties, but it was not enough as Morocco sealed the win. The Atlas Lions will now face Senegal in the final on Sunday.
Nigeria, meanwhile, will play Egypt in the third-place playoff. The Super Eagles came into the semi-final boasting the tournament’s best scoring record but struggled to break down Morocco’s well-organised defence.
The victory gives Morocco a chance to win their first AFCON title since 1976 and do it on home soil while Nigeria’s hopes of lifting a fourth continental crown have been dashed.
