Morocco Advances to AFCON Final After Thrilling Penalty Shootout Victory Over Nigeria

Morocco has kept their dream of clinching the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title alive for the first time in 50 years, defeating Nigeria 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw in both regular and extra time on Wednesday night.

The Atlas Lions dominated the match, buoyed by the support of thousands of passionate fans who filled the stadium.

Brahim Diaz, a key player in the tournament with five goals to his name, made an early attempt on goal in the ninth minute but failed to convert from a promising position.

Nigeria responded in the 15th minute, with Ademola Lookman testing Moroccan goalkeeper Bono, who successfully thwarted the effort.

A significant opportunity for Morocco arose in the 40th minute when Noussair Mazraoui eluded defenders and aimed for goal. However, Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made a spectacular save to deny him.

Just seven minutes into the second half, Nwabali demonstrated his skills again, blocking a shot from Abde Ezzalzouli, who had controlled the ball well in the penalty area.

Victor Osimhen, typically a reliable scorer, struggled to find his rhythm, particularly evident in the 67th minute when he hesitated in the box, resulting in a lost opportunity.

With 13 minutes remaining, Nigeria narrowly avoided conceding from a corner as Ayoub El Kaabi’s header skimmed just wide of the right post.

Nwabali was pivotal once more in the 83rd minute, successfully saving Ezzalzouli’s attempt aimed at the bottom right corner.

With neither team able to score in regulation time, the match progressed to extra time.

The extra period saw both teams play defensively, leading to a penalty shootout to decide the winner.

After successful penalties from Neil El Aynaoui and Paul Onuachu, both goalkeepers, Nwabali and Bono, made crucial saves against Hamza Igamane and Ademola Lookman, respectively.

Morocco successfully converted their remaining penalties through Eliesse Ben Seghir, Achraf Hakimi, and Youssef En Nesyri.

Although Nigeria managed to score via Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Bruno Onyemaechi failed to beat Bono, sealing Morocco’s advancement to the final.

Nigeria was placed in Group C, where they commenced their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Tanzania, followed by a thrilling 3-2 win against Tunisia and a 3-1 triumph over Uganda, securing their position as group winners.

They continued their journey with a dominant 4-0 win against Mozambique in the Round of 16 and a 2-0 victory over Algeria, the 2019 champions, to progress to the quarter-finals.

Morocco, on the other hand, collected maximum points in Group A, initially defeating Comoros 2-0, then drawing 1-1 against Mali, and finishing with a 3-0 victory over Zambia to lead their group.

The Atlas Lions then claimed a contentious 1-0 win over Tanzania in the Round of 16, followed by a 2-0 victory against five-time champions Cameroon to secure their spot in the semi-finals.

Morocco now faces a challenging match against Senegal in the final, scheduled for Sunday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Senegal reached the final after defeating seven-time winners Egypt 1-0, thanks to a stunning strike from former Liverpool FC player Sadio Mane. Egypt will aim to secure a bronze medal in their upcoming match against Nigeria at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.