Morocco defeated Nigeria in a penalty shootout 4-2 after a goalless draw in the Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) 2025 semi final match on Wednesday 14 January, 2025 in Rabat.
After scaling through a nervy encounter, the host nation have reached the final of the tournament to face Senegal, who defeated Egypt by a lone goal on Wednesday evening.
Fenerbahçe striker, Youssef En-Nesyri, fired the winning spot-kick into the bottom-left corner after Al Hilal goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, saved from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi.
Brahim Diaz, top scorer in the AFCON 2025, wasted Morocco’s best chance at goal just before the hour mark, heading wide from PSG defender, Achraf Hakimi’s cross from the right wing, with the forward’s header coming more off his shoulder.
Super Eagles forwards, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, were struggling for chances to score with the Atalanta forward’s effort in the first half from a little outside the box saved easily by the Atlas Lions goalie, Bounou.
The outcome means Morocco, guided by Walid Regragui, have reached their first Afcon final since 2004; the North African will be eyeing to lift their first AFCON trophy since 1976, fifty (50) years ago.
The Moroccans will remain in Rabat for the final against Senegal, which will take place on Sunday 18 January, 2026 at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah at 20:00 (WAT).
The Atlas Lions have also successfully maintained their unbeaten run – stretching to twenty-six (26) matches from their last-16 exit at the AFCON, 2023 Edition.
This final on home soil is Morocco’s second AFCON final after emerging winner in the tournament in 1976 and getting defeated in 2005 to North African neighbours, Tunisia.
Just like the victory over Cameroon in the quarter finals, the atmosphere inside the newly renovated 69,500 capacity venue glowed with wild celebrations. The Stadium has been selected as one of the host grounds for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Morocco, Portugal and Spain will host the 2030 FIFA World Cup and will run from June to July, 2030.
However, unlike the clash against the Cameroonians, the Super Eagles, who are the more experienced side, perfectly handled the pressure early, as well as, reduced the goal chances of the hosts.
Despite bagging a yellow card, Fulham FC defender, Calvin Bassey, was really stunning in defence for the Nigerians, led by Eric Chelle; the center-back was booked after his hand hit Diaz in the face, a booking that would have resulted to him being suspended if Nigeria had reached the final.
Morocco were unable to record clear cut chances despite dominating the game in extra time.
Nigeria went into the penalty shootout without striker, Osimhen, after manager Chelle pulled him out of action with just three (3) minutes to extra time.
Only the Malian head coach knows the reason he withdrew Osimhen ahead of the penalties, and it is a decision he is likely to be contrite about later.
Photo: Super Eagles defender, Calvin Bassey, hits Atlas Lions striker, Brahim Diaz, in the face with his hand during the AFCON 2025 semi final match in Rabat | Getty Images
