AFCON 2025: Morocco edge Nigeria on penalties to reach final

AFCON 2025: Morocco edge Nigeria on penalties to reach final

Hosts Morocco booked their place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after edging Nigeria 4–2 on penalties following a tense, goalless semi-final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Neither team could produce a winner after 120 minutes, but the Atlas Lions held their nerve from the spot to knock out the Super Eagles and set up a mouth-watering final clash with Senegal.

Read Also: Mane strike sends Senegal past Egypt into AFCON 2025 final

Morocco were the more adventurous side during regulation time and extra time, creating several openings but failing to convert. Nigeria, by contrast, managed only two shots in the entire match, with just one effort on target.

Both sides had moments that tested Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, but neither team could find the elusive breakthrough, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.

In a game of limited chances, a shootout had looked inevitable from early on. T

Tournament top scorer Brahim Díaz squandered Morocco’s clearest opportunity just before the half-hour mark, misjudging a header from Achraf Hakimi’s right-wing cross as the Real Madrid forward’s effort came off his shoulder.

Nigeria’s attacking stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman were largely starved of service throughout the match. Lookman’s first-half strike from outside the penalty area was comfortably saved, while Osimhen struggled to influence proceedings.

Earlier on Wednesday, Senegal reached the final after edging Egypt 1–0 in the first semi-final.

The result means Walid Regragui’s side have reached their first AFCON final since 2004 and moved one step closer to a long-awaited second continental title, their first since 1976.

Morocco will face Senegal in Sunday’s final, where both nations will be chasing a second Africa Cup of Nations crown.

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.

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