Morocco booked their place in the AFCON 2025 final after defeating Nigeria 4–2 on penalties following a tense 0–0 draw after 120 minutes at a packed Stade Moulay Abdellah in Rabat. The victory sends the Atlas Lions into their first Africa Cup of Nations final in 21 years, sparking celebrations across the home crowd.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero of the night, producing two crucial penalty saves from Paul Onuachu and Souleymane Igamane. Forward Youssef En-Nesyri calmly converted the decisive spot-kick to seal Morocco’s passage to the final amid deafening home support.
Morocco were the more assertive side after the break, dominating possession and carving out the better chances. Abde Ezzalzouli and Neil El Aynaoui both came close in the second half, only to be denied by Nigeria’s resolute defending. At the other end, Nigeria struggled to create opportunities, managing just two open-play shots across the entire contest.
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen endured a frustrating evening before being substituted, as Morocco’s defensive structure limited his impact. Nigeria’s resistance was anchored by Calvin Bassey and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who kept the score level through extra time but could not prevent defeat in the shootout.
Nigeria will now face Egypt in the third-place playoff in Casablanca, while Morocco turn their attention to a highly anticipated final on home soil.
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