Morocco Oust Nigeria on Penalties to Reach AFCON 2025 Final

The Atlas Lions of Morocco secured their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final after a grueling 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Wednesday night. Following a tense 1-1 draw after 120 minutes of football at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, the match was decided from the spot. Morocco’s goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, proved to be the hero of the night, saving a crucial strike from Nigeria’s Kelechi Iheanacho to silence the traveling Nigerian fans and send the host nation into the tournament's climax.

The match began with high intensity as both continental giants sought an early advantage, but it was Nigeria who broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute. Victor Osimhen capitalized on a defensive mix-up in the Moroccan box to fire home a low shot, momentarily stunning the home crowd. However, the lead was short-lived; Morocco responded in the 76th minute when Achraf Hakimi delivered a pinpoint cross that was met by Youssef En-Nesyri, who headed the ball past Stanley Nwabali to level the scores. The equalizer shifted the momentum, but despite several close chances for both sides in extra time, the deadlock remained unbroken.

During the penalty shootout, Morocco displayed clinical precision, converting all five of their attempts. For Nigeria, the pressure proved costly during the fourth round of kicks. While Terem Moffi, Moses Simon, and William Troost-Ekong converted their chances, Iheanacho’s low effort was expertly anticipated by Bounou. Following the save, Morocco’s Sofyan Amrabat stepped up to bury the final penalty, sparking wild celebrations across Rabat. Nigeria will now face the loser of the second semi-final in the third-place play-off, while Morocco prepares to fight for their first AFCON title since 1976 on home soil.

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