Morocco will contest their first Africa Cup of Nations final since 2004 after goalkeeper Yassine Bounou inspired a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Nigeria following a goalless semi-final in Rabat on Wednesday night.
In front of a packed Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, the Atlas Lions held their nerve after 120 tense minutes before Bounou emerged as the decisive figure, saving two spot-kicks to propel the hosts into Sunday’s final, where they will face defending champions Senegal.
Bounou the difference in shootout drama
With neither side able to break the deadlock in regulation time or extra time, penalties were required to separate two evenly matched teams.
Neil El Aynaoui and Paul Onuachu converted the opening kicks for Morocco and Nigeria respectively, before Nigeria briefly seized momentum when Stanley Nwabali saved Hamza Igamane’s effort. However, the advantage was short-lived.
Bounou responded brilliantly, reading Samuel Chukwueze’s penalty and diving low to deny the Nigerian winger. Eliesse Ben Seghir and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru both scored to keep the shootout finely poised before captain Achraf Hakimi calmly fired Morocco into a 3-2 lead.
The defining moment followed when Bounou stretched out a strong right hand to repel Bruno Onyemaechi’s kick. With the stadium holding its breath, Youssef En-Nesyri stepped up and sent Nwabali the wrong way to spark wild celebrations among the home supporters.
Tactical battle ends in stalemate
The semi-final itself was an absorbing tactical contest, with both sides cautious yet competitive. Morocco enjoyed more possession, but Nigeria were disciplined and dangerous on the counter.
Brahim Díaz went close in the first half with a curling effort that drifted just wide, while Nwabali produced sharp saves to deny Ismail Saibari and Abde Ezzalzouli. At the other end, Ademola Lookman tested Bounou with a low strike from distance.
Nigeria’s talisman Victor Osimhen was kept quiet by a well-organised Moroccan defence, while Calvin Bassey delivered a commanding display at the heart of the Super Eagles’ backline.
Morocco applied increasing pressure after the break, but fatigue crept in during extra time, and neither side could find the decisive moment, setting the stage for Bounou’s heroics.
Moroccan relief, Nigerian heartbreak
The win lifts a heavy burden from the shoulders of the hosts, who have carried enormous expectations throughout the tournament. Morocco will now chase a second AFCON title on home soil.
Nigeria, meanwhile, see their hopes of a second consecutive final dashed and will face Egypt in the third-place playoff in Casablanca.
Post-match reactions
Yassine Bounou (Morocco) – TotalEnergies Man of the Match
“The atmosphere was wonderful. The match was not easy at all and the opponent was very strong.
I thank the coach, my teammates, and all Moroccans. Their support gives us extra motivation. Now we focus on recovery and the final.”
Eric Chelle (Nigeria head coach)
“Losing on penalties is very painful. The players fought for every ball.
From a technical point of view, we were not at the level we showed earlier in the tournament, but that is football.”
Walid Regragui (Morocco head coach)
“We suffered a lot, but reaching the final on home soil is a beautiful gift.
I congratulate Nigeria for their great work. Now we must recover quickly and prepare for the final.”
Mané the Hero as Senegal Edge Egypt
Earlier on Wednesday, Sadio Mané fired Senegal into the AFCON final with a decisive 78th-minute strike in a tense 1-0 victory over Egypt at the Grand Stade of Tangier.
Egypt sat deep for much of the match, frustrating Senegal’s attacking rhythm. The first half offered few clear chances, with Nicolas Jackson firing over from range in the 19th minute.
Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly was forced off injured in the 23rd minute and will miss the final due to suspension after an earlier yellow card.
The breakthrough finally arrived when Mané collected the ball at the edge of the area and placed a precise finish just inside the post beyond Mohamed El Shenawy.
Egypt pushed forward late on, but Senegal remained composed, with Edouard Mendy comfortably saving their only shot on target deep into stoppage time.
The result sends Senegal into their third AFCON final in four tournaments, setting up a mouth-watering showdown with hosts Morocco in Rabat.
Reactions
Sadio Mané – TotalEnergies Man of the Match
“We managed the game well from start to finish. We deserved the win.
Now we focus on the final and try to give our best.”
Hossam Hassan (Egypt coach)
“I am proud of my players. They defended the Egyptian flag with courage.
Senegal played very well and deserved the victory.”
Pape Thiaw (Senegal coach)
“It was not easy against a strong Egypt side.
Now our focus is fully on preparing for the final.”
Final confirmed
AFCON Final – Sunday, Rabat
🇲🇦 Morocco vs Senegal 🇸🇳
