Host nation Morocco advanced to the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Nigeria 5–3 on penalties following a tense, goalless semi-final encounter on Wednesday night.
The highly competitive clash failed to produce a goal in regulation time, with both sides cancelling each other out over 90 minutes.
Extra time also proved fruitless as Morocco and Nigeria remained locked in a tactical stalemate, forcing the match to be decided from the penalty spot.
In the shootout, Nigeria’s hopes were dented after Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi both missed their spot-kicks, allowing Morocco to convert five of their penalties to seal a place in the final.
READ ALSO: Idris Rallies Super Eagles Ahead of AFCON Semifinal Clash Against Morocco
Morocco will now face Senegal in the championship match after the Teranga Lions edged Egypt 1–0 in the other semi-final.
The decisive goal came from a low-driven strike by former Liverpool forward Sadio Mané, who sent Senegal into the final.
Nigeria and Egypt will now turn their attention to the third-place playoff, scheduled to take place in the coming days, as both sides seek to end their AFCON 2025 campaigns on a positive note.