By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Morocco have qualified for the final of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Nigeria at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The hosts controlled long stretches, while the Super Eagles relied on pace and physicality on the counter. Goalkeepers Yassine Bounou and Stanley Nwabali stood tall, keeping the contest alive deep into extra time.
The match ended 0–0 after extra time, but Morocco held their nerve to win 4–2 in the shootout.
Morocco’s Bounou became the hero. He saved two shots from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi to seal Morocco’s place in the final. Neil El Aynaoui, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Achraf Hakimi, and Youssef En-Nesyri all converted their penalties with confidence.
Morocco will play Senegal in Sunday’s showpiece after they defeated Egypt 1-0 in the other semi-final earlier thanks to a Sadio Mane strike.