AFCON

Morocco edge Nigeria on penalties to set up Senegal showdown

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Morocco’s national team players celebrate after securing victory in the penalty shootout during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON match between Morocco and Nigeria at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco on 14 January 2026 ©Nabil Ramdani/BackpagePix

Yassine Bounou saved two penalties and Youssef En-Nesyri netted the decisive spot-kick as hosts Morocco secured a 4-2 shoot-out victory over Nigeria following their 0-0 draw in a arm-wrestle of a Africa Cup of Nations semi-final in Rabat on Wednesday.

Morocco, seeking their first continental title in 50 years, will face 2021 winners Senegal in Sunday’s decider in Rabat, while Nigeria take on Egypt in the third-place play-off the day before.

The 120 minutes before the shoot-out had few clear-cut chances for either side, but it was Morocco who created the greater opportunities, though they were denied by some fine saves from Nigeria’s Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

Senegal beat Egypt 1-0 thanks to Sadio Mane’s winner in the first semi-final earlier on Wednesday.

Nigeria had the best scoring record in the competition coming into the semi-final, but offered very little going forward and when Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi saw their tame penalties saved in the shoot-out, they were left to reflect on a performance that showed little ambition.

Morocco were workmanlike and efficient as they have been all through the competition, but are still yet to find their best form.

They remain on the brink of a first continental crown since 1976 however, even if their biggest challenge awaits in Senegal.

The first half hour was devoid of goal-mouth chances until Achraf Hakimi’s corner was headed into the path of Ayoub El Kaabi five yards from goal.

But he was caught in two minds over whether to turn or try an overhead-kick, and in the end did neither.

Ismael Saibari showed excellent skill to work a shooting chance, however Nwabali was equal to the shot. He was by far the busier keeper in the game, but Morocco were largely reduced to long-range efforts that proved comfortable enough to save.

Nigeria had few opportunities on attack but when talisman striker Victor Osimhen did receive a pass in the box, his touch was poor and the chance was lost.

Nayef Aguerd’s header from a corner hit the outside of the post as the hosts went close, but penalties seemed inevitable well before the 120 minutes were up and following Bounou’s saves, En-Nesyri struck the decisive spot-kick to send his side into the decider.