Hosts Morocco have booked their place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after edging past Nigeria on penalties in a tense semifinal encounter played in Rabat on Wednesday.
The highly contested match ended goalless after regulation time and extra time, forcing a penalty shootout to decide the winner. Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the standout performer, producing two crucial saves in the shootout to eliminate Nigeria and keep Walid Regragui’s side firmly on track for the AFCON title.
Morocco began the match on the front foot and nearly took an early lead following a costly error from Semi Ajayi, who misdirected a pass straight to Saibari. The midfielder set himself up for a shot, but Ajayi recovered impressively to block the effort. The hosts continued to apply pressure and came close again eight minutes later when Brahim Diaz curled a shot from the edge of the area just wide of the post.
Nigeria gradually settled into the contest and recorded their first real opportunity in the 13th minute, with Ademola Lookman testing Bounou from long range, though the Moroccan goalkeeper was equal to the effort. Eric Chelle’s men tried to assert control as the game progressed, but Morocco’s intense pressing made it difficult for the Super Eagles to dictate play.
The hosts created two clear chances just before the half hour mark. El Kaabi failed to make contact with a close-range header, and moments later, Diaz headed wide. In the 31st minute, Victor Osimhen’s high pressing caused panic in Morocco’s defense, but Nigeria were unable to capitalize. Two minutes later, Calvin Bassey was shown a yellow card for a foul, a booking that ruled him out of Nigeria’s next fixture.
Morocco threatened again shortly before the break, but Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali produced a fine save in the 40th minute to deny Saibari from inside the box, ensuring the sides went into halftime level.
Nigeria started the second half with renewed energy but were nearly caught out six minutes after the restart. Saibari intercepted possession in midfield and released Ezzalzouli, whose curling effort was brilliantly saved by Nwabali. As the match passed the hour mark, the Super Eagles began to build momentum, with Alex Iwobi trying to create openings, though Morocco’s defense remained disciplined and organised.
At the other end, Bassey was alert on several occasions, using his physicality to prevent El Kaabi from breaking through on goal. Morocco appealed for a penalty in the 80th minute, but following a VAR review, the referee waved away their claims.
With neither side able to find a decisive goal, the match went into extra time. Both teams continued to push, but clear chances were limited, and the deadlock remained unbroken after 120 minutes.
The semifinal was ultimately settled by penalties, where Bounou once again proved decisive, saving two spot kicks to send Morocco into the final, where they will face Senegal. Nigeria, meanwhile, will turn their attention to the third place playoff against Egypt.