Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged the hero as hosts Morocco defeated the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Wednesday to book their place in the final of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in 21 years.
The Atlas Lions of Morocco edged the Super Eagles of Nigeria 4-2 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes of football.
After 90 minutes and extra time in Rabat, the capital of Morocco, failed to separate the sides, the contest was settled from the penalty spot, where Bounou rose to the occasion in front of a packed Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah.
The Morocco goalkeeper underlined his status as one of the continent’s finest, producing decisive saves to deny Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi and propel the Atlas Lions one step closer to continental glory.
Neil El Aynaoui and Paul Onuachu converted the opening penalties for their respective sides before Nigeria appeared to gain the upper hand when Stanley Nwabali saved Hamza Igamane’s effort.
That advantage, however, was swiftly erased as Bounou read Chukwueze’s kick to perfection, restoring parity.
Eliesse Ben Seghir and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru kept their nerve in the next round, before captain Achraf Hakimi stepped up confidently to put Morocco 3-2 ahead with the penultimate kick.
Bounou then delivered the defining moment of the shootout, stretching out a strong hand to repel Onyemaechi’s attempt.
With the stadium holding its breath, Youssef En-Nesyri stepped up and calmly dispatched the decisive penalty, sending the Rabat crowd into raptures and sealing a historic night for the hosts.
The victory came as a huge release of pressure for Morocco, who have carried the weight of expectation throughout the tournament as hosts.
For Nigeria, hopes of reaching a second consecutive AFCON final were dashed, and the Super Eagles will now turn their attention to the third-place play-off against Egypt in Casablanca.
The semi-final itself was an absorbing, finely balanced affair.
Both teams showed intent from the outset, trading early opportunities in an open first half.
Brahim Diaz came closest for Morocco with a curling effort that drifted narrowly wide, while Nwabali reacted sharply to deny Ismail Saibari.
At the other end, Ademola Lookman tested Bounou with a low drive from the edge of the area.
Nigeria’s talisman Victor Osimhen was tightly marshalled throughout, with Morocco’s defence acutely aware of the danger any lapse in concentration could pose.
After the break, Morocco gradually took greater control, pushing higher up the pitch.
Calvin Bassey was immense at the heart of Nigeria’s defence, using his strength and composure to withstand sustained pressure from the hosts.
Morocco’s best chance of the second half fell to Abde Ezzalzouli, whose curling strike from inside the box was expertly turned away by Nwabali.
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As fatigue set in during extra time and the stakes rose, caution prevailed, with both sides opting for a safety-first approach.
With no breakthrough forthcoming after 120 minutes, penalties were required — and it was Bounou’s night to shine, as Morocco marched on to a long-awaited AFCON final.
Bounou, who emerged the TotalEnergies Man of the Match, said at the post-match press conference: “The atmosphere during the match was wonderful.
“I thank all the fans who supported us.
“The players did what was required in a match that was not easy at all, and the opponent delivered a very strong performance.
“I would like to thank the coach, Walid Regragui, who prepared us very well for this semifinal match, and I also thank all my teammates.
“I say thank you to all Moroccans who supported me.
“Our people love the players of the Moroccan national team, and that gives us extra motivation to repay their trust.
“We will focus on recovery, prepare for the final, and give our fans what they deserve.”
Speaking also at the post-match press conference, the Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, said: “The match was never easy, but the players showed a strong mental response and fought for every ball.
“Losing on penalties is very painful.
“It’s difficult because we worked hard throughout the entire tournament, but that’s football.
“We must continue working.
“We played this match with high pressing, because if you don’t press, you leave spaces and the situation becomes very complicated.
“From a technical point of view, we were not at the same level we showed in other matches.
“I don’t want to say the reason was fatigue, but the truth is that we lacked movement and power.”
The Head Coach of Morocco, Walid Regragui, told the post-match press conference: “I thank everyone who supported us.
“We received very touching messages, and they had a big impact on us.
“I thank our players—we are very proud of them—and I also thank the Moroccan fans who truly deserve this achievement.
“We suffered a lot, and reaching the Africa Cup of Nations final on home soil is a beautiful gift.
“Now we must think about physical recovery quickly because we made a huge effort.
“We played extra time, the match was difficult, and it consumed a lot of energy.
“I congratulate the Nigerian national team and coach Eric Chelle for the great work they have done, and I congratulate our players and fans as well, because we all fought together without exception.”
