RABAT: Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved two penalties as hosts Morocco defeated Nigeria 4-2 in a shootout after a goalless draw to book their place in the Africa Cup of Nations final on Wednesday.
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Youssef En-Nesyri converted the decisive spot kick after Bounou denied efforts from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, sealing Morocco’s passage to the final following a tense semi-final that finished 0-0 after extra time.
Morocco, bidding for their first continental title in 50 years, will face reigning champions Senegal in Sunday’s final in Rabat. Nigeria will meet Egypt in the third-place playoff a day earlier.
The semi-final produced few clear-cut chances over 120 minutes, though Morocco were the more enterprising side and came closest to breaking the deadlock. Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali produced a series of solid saves to keep his side in contention.
Despite entering the match with the tournament’s best scoring record, Nigeria struggled in attack and offered little threat. Star striker Victor Osimhen was largely isolated and squandered the visitors’ rare opening when a poor touch inside the box ended a promising move.
Morocco controlled much of the play but relied heavily on long-range efforts. Achraf Hakimi’s corner in the first half created a gilt-edged opportunity for Ayoub El Kaabi, who hesitated and failed to get a shot away from close range. Ismael Saibari also tested Nwabali after an impressive individual move, while Nayef Aguerd struck the outside of the post with a header from a corner.
With neither side able to find a breakthrough, penalties appeared inevitable. Bounou then emerged as the decisive figure, before En-Nesyri calmly slotted home to send Morocco into their first AFCON final since their defeat to Tunisia in 2004.
Senegal reached the final earlier on Wednesday with a 1-0 victory over Egypt in Tangier, courtesy of a Sadio Mane goal, setting up a highly anticipated title clash.
