Morocco overcome Nigeria on penalties, after the match completed 0-0 after further time, to achieve AFCON closing.
Revealed On 15 Jan 2026
Yassine Bounou saved two penalties, and Youssef En-Nesyri netted the decisive spot kick as hosts Morocco secured a 4-2 shootout victory over Nigeria following their 0-0 attract a tense Africa Cup of Nations semifinal in Rabat.
Morocco, searching for their first continental title in 50 years, will face 2021 winners Senegal in Sunday’s decider in Rabat, whereas Nigeria tackle Egypt in the third-place playoff a day earlier than.
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The 120 minutes earlier than the shootout on Wednesday had few clear-cut possibilities for both aspect, but it surely was Morocco who created the higher alternatives, although they had been denied by some high-quality saves from Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Nigeria had the perfect scoring document within the competitors coming into the semifinal, however provided very little going ahead in a limp show.
And when Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi noticed their tame penalties saved within the shootout, they had been left to mirror on a efficiency that confirmed little ambition.
Morocco had been workmanlike and environment friendly as they’ve been all by the competitors, even when they’re nonetheless to seek out their finest type.
They’re getting ready to a primary continental crown since 1976, however their greatest problem awaits in a formidable Senegal aspect who beat Egypt 1-0 due to Sadio Mane’s winner in the primary semifinal in Tangier earlier on Wednesday.
The primary half hour in Rabat was devoid of goalmouth possibilities till Achraf Hakimi’s nook was headed into the trail of Ayoub El Kaabi 5 yards from aim.
However he was caught in two minds whether or not to show and shoot or attempt an overhead kick, and ultimately did neither as the prospect was misplaced.
Morocco dominate possibilities as Nigeria fail to fireside
Morocco’s Ismael Saibari confirmed glorious talent to work a taking pictures likelihood, however Nwabali was equal to his effort.
He was by far the busier keeper within the sport, however Morocco had been largely lowered to long-range efforts that proved comfy sufficient to save lots of.
Nigeria had few alternatives, and when talisman Victor Osimhen did obtain a go in the field, his contact was poor, and the uncommon likelihood was misplaced.
Nayef Aguerd’s header from a nook hit the surface of the publish because the hosts went shut, however penalties appeared inevitable nicely earlier than the 120 minutes had been up.
And following Bounou’s saves, En-Nesyri struck the decisive spot-kick to ship his aspect into their first closing since a 2004 loss to Tunisia.
