By Attah Ede
Morocco on Wednesday defeated Nigeria’s Super Eagles in a dramatic penalty shootout to book a place in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, following a goalless semi-final that stretched into extra time.
Played under intense atmosphere at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the contest ended 0–0 after 120 minutes, with both teams locked in a tactical battle that produced moments of high tension but no breakthrough.
Morocco carried greater attacking threat, pressing forward and recording the bulk of the attempts on target. However, Nigeria remained resolute at the back, relying on discipline and timely interventions to frustrate the hosts.
Goalkeepers on both sides delivered commanding performances, producing crucial saves that kept the tie finely balanced.
With neither side able to find the decisive goal in regulation or extra time, the match was settled from the spot. Morocco held their nerve in the shootout, converting four of their penalties, while Nigeria faltered with two misses, handing the hosts a 4–2 victory.
The result sends Morocco into the AFCON final, where they will face Senegal on Sunday, while Nigeria will take on Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday.
In the tense soaked encounter that put both countries on the edge, El Aynaoui, Ben Seghir, Hakimi, En-Nesyri scored for Morocco while Paul Onuachu, Dele-Bashiru scored for the Eagles.
Nigeria’s Samuel Chukwueze could not strengthen a lead created by a save by the Goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali as he played the most poorly taken penalty into the waiting hand the Moroccan goalkeeper
Yassine Bounou.
Bounou also save the penalty taken Bruno Onyemaechi to seal victory for the Moroccans who scored their penalties.
