Hosts Morocco booked their place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after beating Nigeria 4–2 on penalties following a tense night in Rabat.
The semi-final finished goalless after 120 minutes, with few clear chances for either side. Youssef En-Nesyri scored the winning penalty after goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved efforts from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi.
From early on, it was clear the match could be decided by penalties. Morocco’s best chance in normal time fell to tournament top scorer Brahim Díaz, but he misjudged a header from Achraf Hakimi’s cross.
Nigeria’s attackers, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, struggled to find space. Lookman’s long-range effort in the first half was easily saved.
The win sends Morocco into their first AFCON final since 2004, as they chase a first title since 1976. They will now face Senegal in Sunday’s final after the defending champions beat Egypt 1–0 in the other semi-final.
Morocco are now unbeaten in 26 matches, a run that stretches back to their exit at the 2023 AFCON. Despite heavy pressure from the home crowd, Nigeria defended well, with Fulham defender Calvin Bassey producing an impressive performance.
Bassey was booked in the first half after a clash with Díaz, but he continued to stand firm at the back. Morocco created a few half chances, but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made important saves to keep Nigeria in the game.
The second half and extra time produced little improvement in chances, despite Morocco enjoying more possession. A penalty appeal after Hakimi’s shot hit Bassey’s arm was waved away, and extra time ended without a breakthrough.
In the end, penalties decided the contest, and Morocco held their nerve to move one step closer to lifting the trophy on home soil.
