Morocco to face Senegal in AFCON Final

Hosts Morocco  last  night booked their place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a dramatic penalty victory over Nigeria in Rabat.

In a dour goalless draw that never looked like finding a winner, it was the hosts who won the battle of nerves from 12 yards at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

The match itself was a dour affair, with both sides unwilling to open themselves up for fear of being countered on the biggest stage in African football.

Despite both managers’ star-studded squads, both Eric Chelle and Walid Regragui were both more concerned with not losing than taking the game to their opponents.

Brahim Diaz and Abdessamad Ezzalzouli were the danger men for Morocco out wide, with the latter skinning Nigeria right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel for fun down the left flank.

Both men had chances, stinging the palms of Stanley Nwabali, but neither side could find that elusive winning goal.

In the penalties, Morocco scored four of their five shots, whereas Nigeria scored two.

The victory brings Morocco closer to its second title, which they have been seeking since its last AFCON victory in 1976.

Earlier, Senegal faced Egypt in the first semi-final match, where they beat the Pharaohs 1-0.

The Lions of Teranga took full control of the match, with 65 percent ball possession and 11 shots.

The Pharaohs kept their sheet clean with solid defending until Sadio Mane finally took the lead for Senegal in the 78th minute.

The final match will determine which of Senegal and Morocco will secure their second AFCON title, while Egypt with seven titles will face Nigeria, which holds three titles for the third place.

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