Morocco Reach Fourth Final After First win on Penalties at AFCON
Morocco have booked their place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, reaching this stage for the fourth time after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Nigeria, securing their first win on penalties in their history at the AFCON.
In a tense semifinal encounter played in front of a passionate home crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, the Atlas Lions overcame the Super Eagles 4–2 on penalties following a goalless draw after both regulation time and after extra time.
Both sides approached the contest cautiously, fully aware of what was at stake, but it was Morocco who looked the more threatening, creating the clearer chances without finding a breakthrough.
Nigeria defended resolutely and grew into the game, but neither team could break the deadlock across 90 minutes, sending the tie to extra time which also could not separate the two sides.
The game then went straight to penalty shootouts.
Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi missed their spot kicks for Nigeria, despite successful efforts from Paul Onuachu and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
Morocco, meanwhile, showed composure under pressure. Only Hamza Igamane failed from the spot, while El Aynaoui, Ben Saghir, Achraf Hakimi and finally Youssef En-Nesyri converted to spark wild celebrations inside the stadium.
The victory carries historic significance for the Atlas Lions, marking the first time Morocco have won a penalty shootout at the Africa Cup of Nations.
It also sends them to their first AFCON final since 2004, when they finished runners-up to host, Tunisia.
Morocco will now face 2021 champions Senegal in the final on Sunday, January 18, as they chase a first continental title since 1976.
Nigeria, meanwhile, will turn their attention to the third-place playoff, where they will take on Egypt on Saturday.
As the tournament reaches its climax, Morocco’s dream run continues, fuelled by home support and a newfound belief that this could finally be their year.