Hosts Morocco defeat Nigeria on penalties to book place in final
Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 semifinal clash with Morocco ended in heartbreak for the Super Eagles, as the host nation edged them 4–2 on penalties after a tense 0–0 draw in Rabat. Here’s a full six-paragraph match report capturing the drama of the encounter.
Nigeria entered the semifinal as one of the tournament’s most dominant sides, having won all their previous matches, including a convincing 2–0 victory over Algeria in the quarterfinals. Morocco, the host nation, had also impressed, topping their group and defeating Tanzania and Cameroon in the knockout stages. With both teams boasting strong defensive records, the stage was set for a cagey but high-stakes battle at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The opening 45 minutes reflected the tactical discipline of both sides. Morocco, urged on by a passionate home crowd, pressed aggressively and created half-chances through Brahim Díaz and Hakim Ziyech. Nigeria, missing suspended captain Wilfred Ndidi, struggled to impose themselves in midfield. Their attacking trio of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Akor Adams found little space, with Morocco’s defense marshaled superbly by Romain Saïss.
The second half saw Morocco continue to probe, with Achraf Hakimi driving forward from right-back and testing Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Nigeria managed only two shots in the entire match, one on target, highlighting their difficulty in breaking down Morocco’s compact shape. Despite Morocco’s dominance in possession, they failed to convert their chances, and the match remained goalless.
As the game moved into extra time, fatigue became evident. Morocco looked the more adventurous side, but Nigeria’s defensive resilience kept them in contention. Nwabali produced crucial saves to deny Morocco’s forwards, while Osimhen’s isolated runs offered Nigeria brief hope. Still, neither team could find the breakthrough, and penalties loomed as the inevitable decider.
In the shootout, Morocco held their nerve. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero, saving two Nigerian spot-kicks. Samuel Chukwueze, brought on specifically for penalties, missed disastrously, while Youssef En-Nesyri converted the decisive kick to send Morocco into the final. Nigeria’s 4–2 defeat on penalties was a bitter pill, especially given their unbeaten run up to this point.
The result means Morocco advanced to their first AFCON final since 2004, keeping alive hopes of a continental triumph after 50 years. Nigeria, meanwhile, were left to rue their lack of attacking spark and the absence of key players. For the Super Eagles, the semifinal exit was a disappointment after such a dominant campaign, while Morocco’s victory set up a mouth-watering final against Senegal.
