In a night of nerve-shredding tension that concluded from the penalty spot, tournament hosts Morocco booked their first Africa Cup of Nations final appearance in over two decades, defeating Nigeria 4-2 in a shootout after a grueling 120-minute stalemate ended 0-0 in Rabat.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero with two critical saves, before Youssef En-Nesyri sealed the victory, sending a packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium into raptures and setting up a final showdown with reigning champions Senegal this Sunday.
The match itself was a tense, tactical battle where clear chances were a precious commodity, belying the attacking talent on display. Morocco, propelled by a fervent home crowd, controlled possession for long stretches and created the better opportunities.
Ismael Saibari and Abde Ezzalzouli were both denied by sharp saves from Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali, while a Nayef Aguerd header in extra time agonizingly struck the outside of the post. Nigeria’s normally potent attack, which had scored a tournament-high 14 goals, was unusually muted.
Star forward Victor Osimhen endured a frustrating night with little service, and the team’s best chance of regular time fell to Ademola Lookman, whose low drive was expertly palmed away by Bounou.
After the final whistle of extra time, the drama reached its peak in the penalty shootout. Morocco’s Hamza Igamane saw his opening spot-kick saved by Nwabali, handing Nigeria an early advantage.
That advantage evaporated immediately as Bounou dove to his left to stop a poor effort from Nigerian substitute Samuel Chukwueze. With the score at 3-2 to Morocco, Bounou then used an outstretched right hand to block Bruno Onyemaechi’s attempt without even needing to dive.
This set the stage for En-Nesyri, who stepped up and coolly converted the decisive penalty to trigger nationwide celebrations.
The victory extends a historic period for Moroccan football, following their memorable run to the World Cup semifinals in 2022. They now stand on the cusp of their second-ever AFCON title and a first in fifty years, with their only previous triumph dating back to 1976.
To achieve it, they must overcome a formidable Senegal side, who earlier on Wednesday defeated Egypt 1-0 in Tangier. The final promises to be a clash between the host nation seeking a long-awaited crown and the experienced champions led by Sadio Mané.
For Nigeria, the dream is over, and they will face Egypt in the third-place playoff on Saturday, left to rue a missed opportunity and a performance that never truly ignited.