Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was the undisputed hero as hosts Morocco booked a place in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final for the first time in 21 years, defeating Nigeria 4-2 on penalties after a tense goalless semi-final in Rabat on Wednesday night.
With neither side able to break the deadlock after 90 minutes and extra time, the semi-final at a packed Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah was decided from the spot, where Bounou produced a masterclass under pressure.
The Morocco shot-stopper confirmed his reputation as one of Africa’s finest goalkeepers, pulling off crucial saves to deny Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, sending the Atlas Lions within touching distance of continental glory.
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Both sides converted their opening penalties through Neil El Aynaoui for Morocco and Paul Onuachu for Nigeria. The Super Eagles briefly seized the initiative when goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saved Hamza Igamane’s effort, but the advantage was short-lived as Bounou brilliantly anticipated Chukwueze’s kick to restore parity.
Eliesse Ben Seghir and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru calmly converted the next set of penalties before Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi confidently fired home to give the hosts a 3-2 lead.
Bounou then delivered the decisive moment of the shootout, stretching out a strong right hand to repel Onyemaechi’s attempt. With the stadium holding its breath, Youssef En-Nesyri stepped up and coolly slotted home the winning penalty, sparking wild celebrations across Rabat.
The victory lifted immense pressure off Morocco, which have carried the burden of expectation throughout the tournament as hosts.
For Nigeria, hopes of reaching a second consecutive AFCON final were crushed. The Super Eagles will now face Egypt in the third-place play-off in Casablanca.
The semi-final itself was finely balanced and richly contested. Both teams showed attacking intent in an open first half, exchanging early chances.
Brahim Diaz went closest for Morocco with a curling effort that drifted just wide, while Nwabali reacted sharply to deny Ismail Saibari. At the other end, Ademola Lookman tested Bounou with a low drive from the edge of the area.
Nigeria’s star striker Victor Osimhen was closely marked throughout, with Morocco’s defence leaving little room for error.
After the interval, Morocco gradually asserted control and pushed higher up the pitch. Calvin Bassey was outstanding at the heart of Nigeria’s defence, producing a commanding display to repel sustained Moroccan pressure.
The hosts’ best chance of the second half fell to Abde Ezzalzouli, whose curling effort from inside the box was expertly saved by Nwabali.
As fatigue crept in during extra time, caution took over, with both sides unwilling to take risks. With no breakthrough after 120 minutes, penalties proved decisive — and on the night, Yassine Bounou stood tallest as Morocco marched into a long-awaited AFCON final.