The match ended 0-0 after extra time, but Morocco defeated Nigeria 4-2 on penalties and advanced to the AFCON finals.
Published January 15, 2026
Yassin Bounou saved two penalties and Youssef En-Nesyri converted the decisive spot-kick as hosts Morocco cruised to a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Nigeria after a 0-0 draw in Rabat in a tense African Cup of Nations semi-final.
Morocco, aiming for its first continental title in 50 years, will face 2021 champions Senegal in the final in Rabat on Sunday, while Nigeria will face Egypt in the third-place match the day before.
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There were few clear-cut chances for either team in the 120 minutes leading up to Wednesday’s penalty shootout, but it was Morocco who created the bigger chance, albeit denied by a fine save from Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabari.
Nigeria entered the semi-finals with the best scoring record in the tournament, but slumped and did little to advance.
And Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi had to reflect on a performance that showed little ambition after seeing their own meek penalties saved in the shootout.
Morocco were workhorses and efficient throughout the tournament, even though they have yet to find their best form.
They are on the brink of winning their first continental title since 1976, but their biggest challenge lies ahead of an impressive Senegalese side who beat Egypt 1-0 thanks to Sadio Mane’s winning goal in the first semi-final in Tangier earlier on Wednesday.
There was no goalmouth chance in the first 30 minutes in Rabat until Achraf Hakimi’s corner corner headed into the path of Ayub El Kaabi five yards from goal.
However, he was torn between turning and shooting or attempting an overhead kick, and in the end he did neither and the chance was lost.
Nigeria misses shot, Morocco dominates chances
Morocco’s Ismael Saibari showed great skill to create shooting chances, but Nwabari matched his efforts.
He was by far the busiest keeper in this match, but Morocco were mainly limited to long-range shots, which proved to be enough to make saves.
Nigeria had few chances and talisman Victor Osimhen received a pass in the box but had a poor touch and missed a valuable chance.
Nayef Agel’s header from a corner hit the outside of the post and the hosts went close, but before the 120th minute had passed a penalty looked likely to be avoided.
Following Bounowu’s save, En-Nesyri converted the crucial spot-kick to lead his team to their first final since 2004 against Tunisia.
