Morocco booked their place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after knocking Nigeria out 4-2 on penalties following a tense 0-0 draw that stretched into extra time.
The semi-final match, officiated by Ghanaian referee, Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea, was a battle of patience and defensive discipline, with both sides cancelling each other out over 120 minutes.
Nigeria, driven by the attacking threat of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, had spells of possession but could not find a breakthrough against a well-organised Moroccan back line.
Morocco, marshalled by captain Achraf Hakimi, carried the greater goal threat in open play. Stanley Nwabali was called into action several times, notably denying Noussair Mazraoui and Abde Ezzalzouli, while Bono remained alert at the other end to keep out Lookman’s first-half effort.
Extra time followed a similar pattern, with substitutions on both sides aimed at injecting energy rather than caution. Osimhen was withdrawn late on, making way for Paul Onuachu, but chances remained scarce as fatigue set in.
The shoot-out proved decisive. Morocco converted through Nabil El Aynaoui, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Achraf Hakimi and Youssef En Nesyri. Nigeria stayed in the contest via Onuachu and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, but missed efforts from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi swung the momentum firmly in Morocco’s favour.
In the end, Hakimi’s calm finish and En Nesyri’s successful kick sealed a hard-fought victory for the Atlas Lions, bringing a heartbreaking end to Nigeria’s AFCON journey after a night of fine margins and unrelenting tension.
Morocco will face Senegal in the final of the AFCON 2025 at 8 p.m. on Sunday, January 18. On the other hand, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will face Egypt in the third-place match at 5 p.m. on Saturday, January 17.
