Morocco Hold Their Nerve to End Nigeria’s AFCON Run on Penalties

Morocco are through to the Africa Cup of Nations final after holding their composure in a dramatic penalty shootout win over Nigeria, following 120 minutes of stubborn, nerve-shredding football that ended goalless at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah.

It was a semi-final defined more by discipline and defensive resolve than open attacking flair. Both sides approached the contest cautiously, aware that a single mistake could end the dream of continental glory. Nigeria looked the sharper in the early exchanges, with Ademola Lookman testing Yassine Bounou from range, but Morocco responded with sustained pressure of their own, forcing Stanley Nwabali into several steady saves.

As the match settled, midfield battles took centre stage. Fouls interrupted any real rhythm, while clear chances remained scarce. Morocco threatened mainly through set pieces and wide deliveries, while Nigeria relied on quick transitions led by Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon, though neither side could find the decisive touch before the break.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Morocco enjoyed more of the ball, probing patiently, but Nigeria’s back line stood firm. Nwabali and Bounou were rarely troubled by shots inside the box, yet both goalkeepers remained alert whenever danger approached. Extra time came and went without a breakthrough, fatigue evident on both sides as legs grew heavy and caution took over.

With nothing separating the teams, penalties were always going to decide the contest. Morocco struck first and immediately seized the advantage as Bounou denied Samuel Chukwueze. Nigeria briefly recovered when Paul Onuachu converted, but the pressure told again as another Nigerian effort was saved. Morocco kept their nerve, and when Youssef En-Nesyri calmly dispatched the final kick, it sealed a 4-2 shootout victory and sparked celebrations from the Atlas Lions.

For Morocco, it was a reward for control, patience and mental strength under pressure. For Nigeria, the defeat was cruel, ending a resilient campaign that fell just short of a final appearance. Morocco now march on with confidence, knowing they survived one of the tournament’s toughest tests to keep their AFCON dream alive.