Rabat, Jan 15: Hosts Morocco booked their place in the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 after defeating Nigeria 4-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout, following a goalless semi-final at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium in Rabat on Wednesday night.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero for the Atlas Lions, producing two crucial saves in the shootout to send Morocco into their first AFCON final since 2004.
After 120 minutes of intense football failed to produce a goal, the contest was settled from the penalty spot. Bounou denied efforts from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, swinging the momentum firmly in Morocco’s favour.
The shootout began with Neil El Aynaoui and Paul Onuachu converting their penalties. Nigeria briefly gained the upper hand when Stanley Nwabali saved Hamza Igamane’s kick, but Bounou responded immediately by stopping Chukwueze’s attempt. Successful penalties from Eliesse Ben Seghir and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru followed before captain Achraf Hakimi calmly put Morocco ahead.
Bounou then produced the defining save of the night, stretching low to deny Onyemaechi. Youssef En-Nesyri sealed the victory with a composed final penalty, sending the home crowd into celebration.
The semi-final itself was a tightly contested affair. Brahim Diaz went close for Morocco in the first half, while Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman tested Bounou with a powerful effort. Victor Osimhen was kept quiet by a disciplined Moroccan defence, while Nigeria centre-back Calvin Bassey stood out with a strong defensive display.
Morocco enjoyed greater control after the break, with Abde Ezzalzouli forcing a fine save from Nwabali, but neither side could find a breakthrough, even in extra time.
With the win, Morocco will face Senegal in Sunday’s final in Rabat, while Nigeria will contest the third-place playoff against Egypt in Casablanca.
The victory marks a significant moment for the hosts as they move one step closer to lifting the continental crown on home soil.
Source: CAF
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