Morocco advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations final on penalties, beating Nigeria 4-2 in the final shootout after their semi-final ended goalless after extra time.
Yassine Bounou saved two spot kicks for the tournament hosts, keeping out Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi’s efforts. Nigeria keeper Stanley Nwabali denied Hamza Igamane with the first save of the shootout, but it proved to be in vain.
Youssef En Nesyri stepped up to convert Morocco’s fifth penalty, sealing victory and a first appearance in the Afcon final since 2004, when they lost to Tunisia. Morocco, seeking their first continental title in 50 years, will face Senegal in Sunday’s final.
Nigeria, who withdrew star striker Victor Osimhen moments before the penalty shootout in Rabat, will face Egypt in Saturday’s third-place playoff. The Super Eagles had the tournament’s best scoring record coming into the semi-final, netting 14 goals in five games, but offered very little going forward in a limp display.
The 120 minutes before the shootout featured few clear-cut chances for either side, with the first half-hour at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium devoid of opportunities. Achraf Hakimi’s corner was headed into the path of Ayoub El Kaabi, five yards from goal, but the striker could not get his shot away in time.
Morocco midfielder Ismael Saibari then showed excellent skill to work a shooting chance but Nwabali was equal to his effort. He was by far the busier keeper in the game, but the hosts were mostly reduced to long-range efforts that proved comfortable enough to save.
Nigeria had few opportunities and when Osimhen did receive a pass in the box, his touch was poor and the rare chance was lost. Nayef Aguerd’s header from a corner hit the outside of the post as the hosts went close, but penalties seemed inevitable well before the 120 minutes were up.
