Tournament hosts Morocco remain on track for a first Africa Cup of Nations title in 50 years after edging past Nigeria 4–2 on penalties following a goalless draw in a tense semi-final encounter in Rabat.
2025 Africa Cup of Nations – Semi-final
Nigeria 0–0 Morocco
(Morocco win 4–2 on penalties)
The opening exchanges were cagey, with both sides struggling to find fluency in the final third. Morocco’s Brahim Díaz flashed an early effort wide, while Ademola Lookman tested Yassine Bounou at the other end.
The Atlas Lions came close around the half-hour mark when Adam Masina failed to convert from close range, before Díaz again missed the target. Achraf Hakimi then rattled the roof of the net with a 22-yard free-kick, while Stanley Nwabali produced an excellent low save to deny Ismael Saibari, preserving parity at the break. It marked only Nigeria’s second scoreless first half of the tournament.
After the restart, Raphael Onyedika scuffed a promising chance wide, before Abde Ezzalzouli forced another save from Nwabali. As the match wore on, both teams became increasingly cautious, with clear-cut chances at a premium. Ezzalzouli’s late low drive was comfortably dealt with, sending the contest into extra time.
Morocco nearly found a breakthrough early in the additional period when Nayef Aguerd headed a deep corner against the outside of the post. Hamza Igamane twice threatened, first bending an effort wide after a clever nutmeg on Frank Onyeka, then firing straight at Nwabali. Nigeria struggled to impose themselves, managing just two shots in extra time, while Neil El Aynaoui’s long-range strike was safely handled by the Super Eagles’ goalkeeper.
With no breakthrough after 120 minutes, the semi-final was decided by penalties. Nigeria briefly took the advantage when Nwabali saved Igamane’s spot-kick, but Samuel Chukwueze’s miss immediately restored balance. After both sides converted their subsequent attempts, Hakimi scored to pile on the pressure before Bounou produced a decisive save to deny Bruno Onyemaechi.
That opened the door for Youssef En-Nesyri, who calmly dispatched the winning penalty to seal a 4–2 shoot-out victory and send Morocco into the final, where they will face Senegal in Rabat on Sunday.
