Morocco are through to the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations final for the first time in more than two decades after overcoming Nigeria in a dramatic penalty shootout in Rabat on Wednesday night.
The semi-final ended goalless after 120 minutes at a packed Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, before the hosts prevailed 4-2 on penalties to ignite celebrations across the capital.
The shootout belonged to Yassine Bounou.
The Morocco goalkeeper delivered when it mattered most, saving spot-kicks from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi to tip the balance firmly in the hosts’ favour.
The contest began evenly from the spot.
Neil El Aynaoui and Paul Onuachu converted the opening penalties, but momentum briefly swung Nigeria’s way when Stanley Nwabali denied Hamza Igamane.
That advantage was quickly cancelled out as Bounou read Chukwueze’s effort and produced a vital save.
Eliesse Ben Seghir and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru then scored to keep both sides level.
Captain Achraf Hakimi followed with a composed finish to put Morocco ahead, before Bounou struck again, stretching to repel Onyemaechi’s attempt.
With tension gripping the stadium, Youssef En-Nesyri stepped forward and calmly dispatched the decisive kick, sending the home crowd into raptures and booking Morocco’s place in the final.
The result brought relief as much as joy for the hosts, who have carried heavy expectations throughout the tournament.
They now stand one win away from continental glory on home soil.
Nigeria’s hopes of reaching a second consecutive AFCON final were extinguished.
The Super Eagles will now face Egypt in the third-place play-off in Casablanca.
During regulation time, the semi-final was finely balanced and tactically absorbing.
Both sides showed attacking intent early on, creating chances at either end.
Brahim Diaz curled narrowly wide for Morocco, while Nwabali reacted sharply to keep out Ismail Saibari. Nigeria threatened through Ademola Lookman, whose low strike from distance forced a save from Bounou.
Victor Osimhen was closely marked and largely contained, with Morocco’s defence alert to his threat.
After the interval, the hosts enjoyed greater spells of possession and pushed Nigeria deeper.
Calvin Bassey was outstanding at the heart of Nigeria’s defence, repeatedly repelling pressure with strength and composure.
Morocco’s best opening of the second half fell to Abde Ezzalzouli, but Nwabali expertly turned away his curling effort.
As extra time wore on, fatigue and caution took hold. Clear chances became scarce, and penalties ultimately proved unavoidable.
From there, Bounou ensured the night belonged to Morocco as the Atlas Lions marched into a long-awaited AFCON final.
