By Ada Nkong
Hosts Morocco survived a tense night in Rabat to edge past Nigeria 4-2 on penalties and reach the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after normal and extra time ended in a goalless draw.
Youssef En-Nesyri calmly struck the winning spot-kick into the bottom-left corner after goalkeeper Yassine Bounou had saved efforts from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi.
In a contest of few clear-cut chances, a penalty shootout appeared likely from early on and ultimately proved to be the decisive factor between the two sides.
The result means Morocco have reached their first AFCON final since 2004 as they aim to lift the trophy for the first time since 1976.
The Atlas Lions will remain in Rabat for Sunday’s final at 8:00 p.m., where they will face Senegal, who defeated Egypt 1-0 in Wednesday’s first semi-final.
The Super Eagles will now take on Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. in Casablanca.
MONT/SA
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