In a night of high tension in Rabat, Morocco secured a thrilling victory over Nigeria, triumphing 4-2 in penalties and booking a place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon). The match, which unfolded in an electrifying atmosphere, saw Youssef En-Nesyri convert the decisive penalty, placing the ball in the bottom left corner after goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved attempts from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi.
The game was characterized by a scarcity of goal-scoring opportunities, with the prospect of a penalty shootout looming from the early minutes. Moroccan striker Brahim Diaz, the tournament’s top scorer, had the best chance for his team before halftime, but a poorly calculated header from a cross by Achraf Hakimi turned into a moment of frustration, resulting in a shot that barely touched the target.
Meanwhile, Nigerian stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman were unable to shine, struggling to break free from a solid Moroccan defense. Lookman managed only one long-range shot, easily saved by Bounou, and Nigeria, despite its experience, found it difficult to create significant plays throughout the match.
The victory marks the first time Walid Regragui’s team has reached the Afcon final since 2004 and represents an opportunity to lift the trophy for the first time since 1976. With the final scheduled for Sunday against Senegal, who defeated Egypt 1-0 in the other semi-final, expectations are high among Moroccan fans.
Morocco, which is now unbeaten in 26 matches, last suffered defeat in the knockout stage of the 2023 Afcon. This is only the second time the Atlas Lions have reached the Afcon final, a feat that explains the passion and hope of the fans who packed the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. The fervent atmosphere in the stadium, which has been recently renovated, reflected the significant investment made by King Mohammed VI in Moroccan football, seen as a tool for cultural and social change.
Calvin Bassey, a defender for Fulham, was one of the key figures for Nigeria, despite receiving a questionable yellow card that nearly sidelined him from the final due to a foul on Diaz. Bassey’s performance was crucial, especially in limiting the hosts’ goal-scoring opportunities. Even with the growing pressure from Morocco, Nigeria proved resilient, managing to stay ahead on the scoreboard and taking the match into extra time.
However, the second half of the game did not bring many thrills, and appeals for a penalty after a shot from Hakimi that hit Bassey’s arm were in vain. VAR decided not to intervene, as the ball had first touched another defender before hitting Bassey’s body.
As the final approaches, Morocco is determined to make history at home and secure the title that has eluded them for so long. Expectations are high, and the passion of Moroccan fans for their team has never been more intense.
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