Morocco Beat Nigeria On Penalties To Reach AFCON Final

Morocco secured their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final by defeating Nigeria in a penalty shoot-out following a goalless draw after extra time in their semifinal at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat on Wednesday.

Regulation and extra time finished 0–0, with both teams creating limited clear-cut chances and failing to break the deadlock over 120 minutes.

Neither side was able to convert opportunities in open play, despite tactical adjustments and substitutions aimed at unlocking the stalemate.

The match was decided from the penalty spot, where Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou played a decisive role. Bounou saved spot kicks from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, swinging the momentum in the hosts’ favour.

Morocco forward Youssef En-Nesyri then stepped up to take the decisive penalty, calmly stroking the winning spot kick into the bottom corner to seal Morocco’s progression to the final.

Morocco’s advance ends Nigeria’s campaign and sets up a final against Senegal, who defeated Egypt 1–0 in the other semifinal.

The result marks Morocco’s first AFCON final appearance in 22 years and presents a chance to claim the title on home soil.

Nigeria exit the tournament at the semifinal stage despite strong tournament form, including a quarter-final win over Algeria earlier in the competition.

Their inability to score in open play against Morocco’s disciplined defence led to the shoot-out, where individual spot-kick accuracy ultimately decided the outcome.