Host Morocco Books AFCON Final Spot After Win Against Nigeria

The Atlas Lions of Morocco have reached the final of the CAF TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a penalty shootout win against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

It is Morocco’s first AFCON final since losing to Tunisia in 2004, ending their long wait for the continental trophy.

Morocco, the host country for this year’s AFCON, will face the Teranga Lions of Senegal in the final on Sunday, 18 January, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

Morocco secured a place in the Africa Cup of Nations final by holding Nigeria to a 0–0 draw in Rabat for 120 minutes of play before winning the tie 4–2 in the penalty shootout.  

The host nation’s hero was goalkeeper Yassine “Bono” Bounou, who saved two spot-kicks, and striker Youssef En-Nesyri, who calmly converted the decisive penalty that sent Morocco to the final. 

The Super Eagles will fight for a third-place playoff against Egypt on Saturday, 17 January, at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca. 

Shootout Drama

Image: Youssef En-Nesyri celebrating after scoring his penalty to win the penalty shootout 

Morocco started the match on the front foot, pressing aggressively and putting Nigeria’s defence under pressure. 

However, Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made several key saves to keep the game scoreless.  

Nigeria’s only shot on target came from Ademola Lookman in the first half, but his effort from the edge of the box was easily held by Bounou.

For Morocco, midfielders Ismael Saibari and Ayoub El Kaabi both tested Nwabali at goal, and a corner kick header by defender Nayef Aguerd clipped the outside of the post.  

Morocco had far more chances, with 16 shots, five of which were on target, while Nigeria managed only two shots in a subdued performance.

After 120 minutes, the match was decided by a penalty shootout, in which Morocco eventually came out victorious. 

Bounou proved unbeatable. He saved Nigeria’s first two penalties, from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, to take the Atlas Lions to their first finals in decades.

Nigeria managed to slot in only two of their five penalty kicks. Morocco converted four of their five penalties, with En-Nesyri stepping up to confidently score the winning spot-kick.