Morocco progressed to the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following a 4-2 penalty shootout win over Nigeria's Super Eagles at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday night, after regulation and extra time could not produce a winner.
Veteran goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was the hero of the shootout, saving spot kicks from Bruno Onyemaechi and Samuel Chukwueze, and was deservedly named the official Man of the Match.
Eric Chelle's side had their worst performance in the 2025 Afcon, managing only two shots, with only one on target over the course of 120 minutes, while Morocco registered sixteen shots with five on target.
With influential captain Wilfred Ndidi suspended due to accumulated bookings, Nigeria struggled to control the midfield, allowing the Atlas Lions to intercept their passes on multiple occasions.
Bounou described the team's encounter with the Super Eagles as a true rollercoaster, highlighting the physical intensity displayed by the three-time African champions.
Speaking in the post-match press conference, Bounou said: "We started the match well and controlled it for 65 minutes, but then our performance dipped somewhat due to the physicality of the Nigerian players, who played with great intensity. However, our Lions rose to the occasion and faced them with full force."
The man of the match also expressed gratitude to the supporters, saying: "Thank you to the fans who supported us in the match.
"This well-deserved qualification is a gift to them. We will now focus intensely on the final against Senegal in order to win the title."
Nigeria will face record champions Egypt in the third place playoff on Saturday evening at the Mohammed V Stadium, Casablanca.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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March 12, 2026
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