Morocco have sealed a place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after edging past Nigeria in a dramatic penalty shoot-out on Wednesday night. The hosts triumphed 4-2 on penalties following a tense semifinal that ended goalless after extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Atlas Lions goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero of the night, producing two crucial saves that tilted the shoot-out in Morocco’s favour. He denied Samuel Chukwueze before pulling off a brilliant stop against Bruno Onyemaechi, setting the stage for Youssef En-Nesyri to calmly slot home the winning kick and ignite wild celebrations among the home crowd.
Relief swept through the Moroccan camp, particularly for Hamza Igamane, who looked devastated moments earlier after his effort was saved by Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali. His disappointment quickly turned to joy as Morocco regained control and sealed victory.
With the win, the hosts now turn their attention to Sunday’s final, where they will face Senegal, while Nigeria’s Super Eagles bow out after a hard-fought campaign that fell just short at the final hurdle.
