Morocco beat Nigeria on penalties to reach Afcon 2025 final
Morocco booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations final after edging Nigeria in a tense penalty shootout following a goalless draw in Rabat. Substitute Youssouf En-Nesyri struck the decisive spot-kick after goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced two crucial saves to deny the Super Eagles.
Nigeria had looked in control early in the shootout when Stanley Nwabali stopped Hamza Igamane’s effort, but Samuel Chukwueze’s poor penalty swung momentum back to the hosts. Bounou’s remarkable save from Bruno Onyemaechi then set the stage for En-Nesyri to seal victory and send the Atlas Lions into Sunday’s showpiece against Senegal.
The context is historic. Morocco last lifted the Afcon trophy in 1976, and this final offers the chance to end a 50-year wait. Their path has been built on defensive resilience, conceding just once in six matches, and the backing of a fervent home crowd has added to their momentum.
The match itself began brightly, with Morocco dominating possession and Nigeria threatening on the counter. The first half produced chances at both ends, notably Abdessamad Ezzalzouli forcing Nwabali into a superb save. Nigeria’s defence, led by Bruno Onyemaechi, held firm against Brahim Diaz and Achraf Hakimi’s surges.
Key incidents included Hakimi’s penalty appeal waved away in the second half and Nwabali’s string of saves that kept Nigeria alive. Yet without suspended Wilfred Ndidi, the Super Eagles midfield struggled, leaving Victor Osimhen isolated and unable to influence the game.
Extra-time brought little drama, with fatigue evident and only six shots on target across 120 minutes. The shootout became inevitable, and while Nigeria briefly held the advantage, Morocco’s composure proved decisive.
En-Nesyri’s winning strike capped a night of tension and jubilation. The Atlas Lions now face Senegal, who defeated Egypt 1-0 in the other semi-final, in a final that pits two of Africa’s most powerful sides against each other.
For Morocco, the opportunity is immense. Victory would deliver a second Afcon crown and confirm their status as continental kings once more. For Nigeria, the heartbreak is sharp, their prolific attack silenced and their dream ended from the spot.