RABAT: Morocco advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations final after defeating Nigeria 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a tense 0-0 draw in the semi-final on Wednesday. Hosts Morocco will now face 2021 champions Senegal in Sunday’s final, while Nigeria take on Egypt in the third-place playoff.
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Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was the hero for Morocco, saving two penalties in the shootout, while striker Youssef En-Nesyri calmly converted the decisive spot-kick. Morocco, seeking their first continental crown in 50 years, had created the better opportunities during 120 minutes of tight football but were repeatedly denied by Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali.
Morocco will play for their first AFCON title in 50 years on Sunday.
And they get to do it at home 🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/McPoaPu0xN
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 14, 2026
The semi-final saw few clear-cut chances, with Morocco relying on long-range shots and set-pieces. Achraf Hakimi’s corner found Ayoub El Kaabi in the first half, but he hesitated and missed a key opportunity. Nayef Aguerd came close with a header that hit the post, but neither side could break the deadlock in regulation or extra time.
Nigeria, who entered the match with the tournament’s best scoring record, struggled to make an impact. Victor Osimhen’s rare chance in the box went awry, and Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi later saw their penalties saved in the shootout. The team’s performance was widely criticised for a lack of attacking ambition.
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Morocco’s disciplined, efficient approach has carried them through the competition, but their toughest test awaits against a Senegal side that edged Egypt 1-0 in the first semi-final thanks to Sadio Mane’s winner. The hosts now have the chance to lift their first AFCON title since 1976, aiming to end a five-decade wait for glory.