Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero on Wednesday night, saving two penalties as the hosts defeated Nigeria 4–2 in a dramatic shootout to book their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal.
The tense semi-final encounter had ended 0–0 after extra time.
Bounou produced decisive saves to deny Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, paving the way for Youssef En-Nesyri to slot home the winning kick and trigger wild celebrations inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
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There was relief as well as jubilation for Hamza Igamane, whose penalty had earlier been saved by Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Igamane was the only Moroccan player to miss in the shootout, with captain Achraf Hakimi among those who successfully converted their kicks.
Morocco will now face Senegal in Sunday’s final after the Lions of Teranga edged Egypt 1–0 in the other semi-final, courtesy of a goal from Sadio Mane.
The final will pit the top two African nations in the FIFA world rankings against each other, setting the stage for a fitting climax to the tournament.
Head coach Walid Regragui’s side have carried the heavy expectation of delivering Morocco’s first AFCON title in 50 years. With passionate home support behind them in Rabat, they will be confident of rising to the occasion.
For Nigeria, however, it was a heartbreaking exit, coming just two years after they suffered defeat to hosts Ivory Coast in the 2023 final.
