Morocco booked a place in the AFCON final after defeating Nigeria 4–2 on penalties following a goalless draw in Rabat on Wednesday.
Youssef En-Nesyri converted the decisive spot kick to spark wild celebrations at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
After 120 minutes of intense but scoreless football, the shootout proved decisive.
Despite Hamza Igamane missing for the hosts, goalkeeper Yacine Bounou emerged the hero, saving penalties from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemeachi. Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali also made key saves, including from Igamane, but it was not enough to halt the hosts.
Morocco dominated possession for long spells and created the better chances through Brahim Díaz, Abde Ezzalzouli, and Achraf Hakimi, while Nigeria threatened intermittently through Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman. Both sides were denied late in regulation and extra time, forcing penalties.
The victory sends tournament hosts Morocco into their first AFCON final since 2004, keeping alive hopes of a first continental title in 50 years.
They will face defending champions Senegal, who edged Egypt 1–0 in the other semi-final.
