BREAKING: Morocco beat Nigeria on penalties to reach home Afcon final

Hosts Morocco edged past Nigeria in a tense penalty shootout in Rabat to secure a place in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, Sport360NG reports.

After 120 minutes produced few clear chances, Morocco prevailed 4-2 on penalties, with Youssef En-Nesyri converting the decisive kick. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou proved the hero, denying efforts from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi.

The semi-final was cagey from the outset, with both sides cancelling each other out. Morocco’s clearest opening fell to tournament top scorer Brahim Diaz, who misjudged a header from Achraf Hakimi’s cross shortly before the half-hour mark, his effort glancing off his shoulder and wide.

Nigeria’s attacking threats, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, were largely kept quiet, feeding on limited service. Lookman did test the goalkeeper with a long-range strike before the break, but it was comfortably dealt with.

The result sends Walid Regragui’s side into their first Afcon final since 2004 as they chase a first continental crown since 1976. Morocco will remain in the capital to face Senegal in Sunday’s final (19:00 GMT), after the reigning champions defeated Egypt 1-0 in the other semi-final.

Bassey anchors Nigerian resistance

Morocco extended their unbeaten run to 26 matches, a sequence dating back to their last-16 exit at the 2023 finals, yet this was only their second appearance in an Afcon final. The sense of occasion was palpable inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, reflecting the nation’s long-term investment in football and the ambition to add continental success to their historic World Cup semi-final run in 2022.

Nigeria, however, refused to be overawed. Eric Chelle’s side absorbed sustained early pressure, with Fulham defender Calvin Bassey particularly impressive at the back despite receiving a contentious first-half booking.

Morocco probed without reward, with Diaz also curling wide early on and Stanley Nwabali producing a sharp near-post save from Ismael Saibari. Opportunities dried up further after the interval, prompting loud appeals for a penalty when Hakimi’s shot struck Bassey, though VAR correctly declined to intervene.

Extra time followed a similar pattern, Morocco enjoying territory but failing to carve out a decisive opening. Ultimately, the contest was settled from the spot, where the hosts kept their composure to move one step away from a long-awaited triumph on home soil.