AFCON 2025
2nd Semi-final: Nigeria 0 (2) – 0 (4) Morocco
There are country-wide celebrations for the AFCON 2025 hosts Morocco after confirming their berth in the final of the 35th edition held on their home soil.
The Atlas Lions progressed to the final and will face Senegal in Sunday’s showdown.
This followed a hard fought 4-2 post match penalty victory over the Nigeria Super Eagles at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Befor over 65,000 spectators, Morocco held their nerves to win a dramatic and tense shoot-out after normal time had ended goal-less in 120 minutes of thrilling football.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bonuou saved two penalties during the shoot-out as Morocco confirmed their slot much to the jubilation of the home crowd.
Normal time was fairly contested with the two countries creating a couple of goal scoring opportunities in normal 90 minutes and additional half hour of extra time.
Brahim Diaz, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and skipper Achraf Hakimi got close for the hosts in normal time before substitute Ben Eliesse Seghir was denied by goalkeeper Stlaney Bobo Nwabali in extra-time.
Ademola Lookman and team captain James Victor Oshimen tested Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
How the shoot-out unfolded:
In the shootout, Neil El Aynaoui, Ben Eliesse Seghir, captain Achraf Hakimi and Youssef En Nesyri scored for Morocco to send the fully packed crowd into excitement.
Paul Onuachu and Fisayo Bashiru scored for the Super Eagles.
Hamza Igamane had his shot saved by Nigerian goalkeeper Stlanley Nwabali.
Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi’s shots were saved by goalkeeper Bono.
Morocco will now face Senegal on Sunday, 18th January 2026 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat.
Senegal edged Egypt 1-0 with Sadio Mane’s second half strike separating the two sides in Tanger city.
The bronze medal match will be held a day earlier between Nigeria and Egypt in Casablanca.
Team Line Ups:
Nigeria XI: Stanley Nwabali (G.K), Bruno Onyemaechi Spuruchukwu, Samuel Osayi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka Ogochuku, Alexander Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Victor James Oshimen (Captain)
Subs: Francis Uzoho (G.K), Amas Obasogie (G.K), Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, Faruq Dele Bashiru Oluwafisyo, Samuel Chimerenka Chukwueze, Usman Muhammed, Moses Daddy Simon, Paul Ebere Onuachu, Collins Awaziem Chidozie, Ejuke Chidera, Salim Fago Lawal, Ebenezer Ajodu Akinsamiro, Nnadi Tochukwu
Head coach: Eric Sekou Chelle (France)
Morocco XI: Yassine Bono (G.K), Achraf Hakimi, Noussair Mazraoui, Nayef Aguerd, Adam Masina, Ismael Saibari, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Bilal El Khannous, Neil El Aynaoui, Brahim Diaz, Ayoub El Kaabi
Subs: Monir El Kajoui (G.K), Elmehdi Al Harrar (G.K), Sofyan Amrabat, Hamza Igamane, Soufiane Rahimi, Ben Eliesse Seghir, Oussama Targhalline, Mohamed Chibi, Ilias Akhomach, Jawad El Yamiq, Youssef En Nesyri, Chemsdine Talbi, Anass Salah Eddine, Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, Youssef Belammari
Head coach: Hoalid Regragui (Morocco)
Match officials:
- Referee: Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea (Ghana)
- Assistant Referee 1: Zakhele Thusi Granville Siwela (South Africa)
- Assistant Referee 2: Souru Phatsoane (Lesotho)
- Fourth official: Samuel Uwikunda (Rwanda)
- Commissioner: Massa Diarra (Mauritania)
- General Coordinator: Khaled Lemkecher (Tunisia)
- Video Assistant Referee (VAR): Tom Abongile (South Africa)
- Assistant Video Assistant Referee (AVAR): Haythem Guirat (Tunisia)
- Assistant Video Assistant Referee (AVAR) 1: Stephen Eleazar Onyango Yiembe (Kenya)
Morocco’s road to the final:
- Morocco 2-0 Comoros (Group A)
- Morocco 1-1 Mali (Group A)
- Zambia 0-3 Morocco (Group A)
- Tanzania 0-1 Morocco (Round of 16)
- Cameroon 0-2 Morocco (Quarter-final)
- Nigeria 0 (2) – 0 (4) Morocco (Semi-final)