Morocco reach AFCON final after penalty shootout victory over Nigeria

Morocco advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations final after beating Nigeria 4-2 on penalties following a goalless match that remained scoreless after extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Host goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved two spot kicks, keeping out Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, while Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali had earlier denied Hamza Igamane. Youssef En Nesyri converted Morocco’s fifth penalty to seal the win and send the hosts into their first Afcon final since 2004.

Morocco are seeking their first continental title in 50 years and will face Senegal in Sunday’s final. Nigeria, who withdrew Victor Osimhen moments before the shootout in Rabat, will play Egypt in Saturday’s third-place playoff.

The 120 minutes featured few clear chances: the first half-hour was largely devoid of opportunities, Achraf Hakimi’s corner found Ayoub El Kaabi but he could not get a shot away, Ismael Saibari had an effort saved by Nwabali, and Nayef Aguerd’s header hit the outside of the post. Nigeria, despite having scored 14 goals in five games earlier in the tournament, offered little going forward and Osimhen endured a frustrating night.

Key Topics

Sports, Morocco, Nigeria, Yassine Bounou, Youssef En Nesyri, Victor Osimhen