Morocco Hold Their Nerve Knock Out Nigeria on Penalties to Reach AFCON Final

Morocco Hold Their Nerve, Knock Out Nigeria on Penalties to Reach AFCON Final

Good evening and welcome. Tonight, African football witnessed a tense and emotional showdown as Morocco and Nigeria battled for a place in the Africa Cup of Nations final. Ninety minutes were not enough. Even 120 minutes could not separate them. In the end, it came down to nerve, belief and a goalkeeper who rose to the moment.

The semifinal in Rabat finished goalless, but don’t let that scoreline fool you. This was a match filled with intensity, pressure and fine margins. Morocco, playing at home, knew what was at stake. A chance to reach their first AFCON final in more than two decades. Nigeria, unbeaten and confident, arrived with one of the most feared attacks in the tournament.

From the opening minutes, both teams played with caution and discipline. Morocco looked organised and calm, keeping their shape and denying Nigeria space. Nigeria had the ball for long spells, but clear chances were rare. Every tackle was cheered, every save felt massive. This was knockout football at its most tense.

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As the game moved into the second half, Morocco began to push forward more. They created better chances and tested Nigeria’s goalkeeper, but the finishing touch just wasn’t there. Nigeria, meanwhile, struggled to find rhythm going forward. Their star attackers were tightly marked and frustration slowly crept in.

Extra time followed the same pattern. You could feel it in the stadium. Both teams were afraid to make the mistake that would end their tournament. Legs were heavy. Minds were cautious. And soon, everyone knew what was coming next. Penalties.

That’s where Morocco found their hero. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou stepped up with incredible composure. He read the Nigerian shooters perfectly and made two crucial saves. At the other end, Moroccan players stayed calm and clinical. When the final penalty hit the net, the stadium erupted. Morocco won the shootout 4–2.

For Nigeria, it was heartbreak. They fought hard, defended well, but fell at the final hurdle. For Morocco, this was a night of redemption and pride. They are now through to the AFCON final, where they will face Senegal, another heavyweight of African football.

The impact of this win is huge. Morocco now stand one match away from lifting the trophy on home soil. Confidence is high, the crowd is fully behind them and belief is growing. As for Nigeria, they leave with disappointment, but also with respect for a team that pushed them all the way.

That’s the story from Rabat tonight. Morocco march on. Nigeria bow out. And African football prepares for a final that promises drama, quality and history.

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