Morocco Beat Nigeria 4-2 on Penalties to Reach AFCON Final

Morocco booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations final after a tense penalty shoot-out victory over Nigeria in Rabat, keeping alive their dream of lifting a first AFCON title in 50 years following a hard-fought, goalless semi-final.

Tournament hosts Morocco and Nigeria played out a cautious opening, with both sides struggling to find rhythm in the final third. Brahim Díaz had the first real opening for the Atlas Lions but dragged his effort across goal, while Ademola Lookman tested Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou at the other end.

Morocco began to apply pressure midway through the first half. Adam Masina failed to convert from close range, while Díaz fired another effort wide. Achraf Hakimi then came close from a free-kick, rattling the roof of the net, before Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali produced a sharp save to deny Ismael Saibari.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with few clear chances. Raphael Onyedika sliced a shot wide early on, while Abde Ezzalzouli forced another save from Nwabali as nerves grew on both sides.

Extra time brought renewed urgency. Nayef Aguerd struck the post from a corner, while Hamza Igamane and Neil El Aynaoui both threatened late on, but neither side could find a breakthrough.

With the deadlock unbroken, the match went to penalties. Nigeria gained an early edge when Nwabali saved Igamane’s spot-kick, but Samuel Chukwueze missed his effort moments later. After both teams converted their next kicks, Bounou denied Bruno Onyemaechi, giving Morocco the advantage.

That opened the door for Youssef En-Nesyri, who calmly dispatched the winning penalty to send Rabat into celebration as Morocco sealed a 4–2 shoot-out win.