Morocco booked their place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday night after defeating Nigeria 4–2 on penalties, following a goalless draw after extra time.
The semi-final was played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, where the Atlas Lions were backed by a passionate home crowd as tournament hosts.
The match was tightly contested, with both sides creating chances, but strong defensive performances and outstanding goalkeeping prevented any goals during the 120 minutes. Morocco’s Yassine Bounou and Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali were both instrumental in keeping the score level.
The penalty shootout proved decisive, with Bounou emerging as the hero after saving two Nigerian spot-kicks. Morocco converted all their penalties with confidence to seal qualification for the final.
With this victory, Morocco return to the AFCON final for the first time in 22 years, having last reached the decisive match in 2004. The Atlas Lions will be aiming to lift the continental title for the first time since 1976, and on home soil.
Morocco will face Senegal in the final on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Senegal secured their place in the final after edging Egypt 1–0 in the other semi-final.
