Hosts Morocco survived a nervy night in Rabat to see off Nigeria 4-2 on penalties to reach the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon). Youssef En-Nesyri stroked the winning spot kick into the bottom left-hand corner after Yassine Bounou saved from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi.
In a game of few chances, a shootout looked like a likely outcome from early in the proceedings. Tournament top scorer Brahim Diaz squandered Morocco’s best opening just before the half hour, misjudging a header from Achraf Hakimi’s right-wing cross, with the Real Madrid forward’s effort coming more off his shoulder.
Nigeria’s star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman were left to feed off scraps all evening, with Lookman’s first-half drive from just outside the penalty area easily saved.
The result means Walid Regragui’s side has reached their first Afcon final since 2004, as they bid to lift the trophy for the first time since 1976.
The Atlas Lions will remain in the capital to face Senegal in Sunday’s final (19:00 GMT) after they beat Egypt 1-0 in Wednesday’s first semi-final.
