Morocco is heading to the Africa Cup of Nations final on home soil after a dramatic semi-final win over Nigeria. The Atlas Lions clinched their ticket to the final after a tense, goalless draw stretched into penalties, where goalkeeper Yassine Bounou delivered two crucial saves to help seal a 4-2 shootout victory.
Over 120 minutes of regulation and extra time, both teams battled in a match defined by caution and grit more than flair. Morocco, buoyed by a passionate crowd in Rabat, carried most of the attacking intent but were repeatedly denied by Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who stood tall throughout. Despite efforts from Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Diaz, and Ismael Saibari, clear chances were few and far between, as Nigeria’s defense held firm.
As the clock ticked on, both sides appeared more concerned with avoiding mistakes than taking risks, leading to a tactical stalemate. In a game that offered little in terms of offensive fireworks, it was the goalkeepers who stole the spotlight. While Bounou had little to do during the match itself, his moment came when it mattered most. He stopped two of Nigeria’s penalty kicks in the shootout, setting the stage for Youssef En-Nesyri to calmly bury the winner and send Morocco into the final.
The Atlas Lions will now face Senegal, who edged past Egypt earlier in the day, in a highly anticipated showdown set for Sunday in Rabat. The final pits the host nation against the reigning champions in a match that promises to ignite the stadium and cap off the tournament with a fierce contest.
