AFCON 2025: Morocco seal win in dramatic penalty shootout to cruise to first final in 21 years

Morocco booked a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final after defeating Nigeria 4–2 on penalties following a goalless semi-final in Rabat on Wednesday night, before 65,458 spectators the highest attendance recorded at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium during the tournament.

After 90 minutes and extra time failed to separate the two sides, the contest was settled from the penalty spot, where goalkeeper Yassine Bounou rose to the occasion, saving two penalties and underlining his status as one of the continent’s finest.
Neil El Aynaoui and Paul Onuachu converted the opening penalties for their respective sides before Nigeria appeared to gain the upper hand when Stanley Nwabali saved Hamza Igamane’s effort. That advantage was swiftly erased as Bounou read Samuel Chukwueze’s kick to perfection, restoring parity.

Eliesse Ben Seghir and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru kept their nerve in the next round, before captain Achraf Hakimi stepped up confidently to put Morocco 3–2 ahead with the penultimate kick. Bounou then delivered the defining moment of the shootout, repelling Bruno Onyemaechi’s attempt.
With the stadium holding its breath, Youssef En-Nesyri calmly dispatched the decisive penalty, sending the Rabat crowd into raptures and sealing a historic night for the hosts.
The victory came as a huge release of pressure for Morocco, who have carried the weight of expectation throughout the tournament as hosts. For Nigeria, hopes of reaching a second consecutive AFCON final were dashed, and the Super Eagles will now turn their attention to the third-place play-off against Egypt in Casablanca.

The semi-final itself was an absorbing, finely balanced affair. Both teams showed intent from the outset, trading early opportunities in an open first half. Brahim Diaz came closest for Morocco with a curling effort that drifted narrowly 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 talisman Victor Osimhen was tightly marshalled throughout, with Morocco’s defence acutely aware of the danger any lapse could pose. After the break, Morocco gradually took greater control, pushing higher up the pitch. Calvin Bassey was immense at the heart of Nigeria’s defence, using his strength and composure to withstand sustained pressure from the hosts.
Morocco’s best chance of the second half fell to Abde Ezzalzouli, whose curling strike from inside the box was expertly turned away by Nwabali. As fatigue set in during extra time, caution prevailed, and with no breakthrough forthcoming after 120 minutes, it was left to penalties and Bounou’s night to shine as Morocco marched on to a long-awaited AFCON final.

The win sends Morocco into their first AFCON final since 2004, where they will face Senegal as they seek a first continental title on home soil.