Tournament hosts Morocco moved to within one game of a historic Africa Cup of Nations triumph after edging past Nigeria on penalties following a tense, goalless semi-final in Rabat.
In a tightly contested encounter that offered few clear chances, both sides struggled to find quality in the final third during the opening exchanges. Brahim Diaz went closest early on for the Atlas Lions, flashing a shot across goal and wide, while Nigeria responded through Ademola Lookman, whose effort was comfortably saved.
Morocco enjoyed a brief spell of pressure midway through the first half. Adam Masina failed to capitalise on a loose ball inside the six-yard box, while Diaz once again went off target. Achraf Hakimi later threatened from a free kick, only to see his effort land on the roof of the net, before Stanley Nwabali produced a fine save to deny Ismael Saibari just before the interval.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with both teams cautious and unwilling to take unnecessary risks given the stakes. Chances remained scarce, with Abde Ezzalzouli seeing a low drive saved and Raphael Onyedika sending a scuffed attempt wide as the match drifted towards extra time.
Morocco came closest during the additional period, with Nayef Aguerd heading a corner against the outside of the post and Hamza Igamane forcing further saves from Nwabali. Nigeria, by contrast, struggled to impose themselves and managed little attacking threat as the hosts pressed for a decisive breakthrough.
With no goals separating the two sides after 120 minutes, the match was settled by a penalty shootout. Igamane’s opening kick was saved, handing Nigeria an early advantage, but Samuel Chukwueze immediately missed to restore parity. The shootout remained finely balanced until Yassine Bounou denied Bruno Onyemaechi, setting the stage for Youssef En Nesyri to seal the victory.
The striker made no mistake, firing home to secure a 4–2 shootout win and send Morocco into the AFCON final on home soil, where they will face Senegal on Sunday.
