HOSTS Morocco survived a nervy night in Rabat to see off Nigeria 4-2 on penalties to reach the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that Youssef En-Nesyri stroked the winning spot kick into the bottom corner after Yassine Bounou saved from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi.
It means the Atlas Lions have reached their first Afcon final since 2004, as they bid to lift the trophy for the first time since 1976.
They face Senegal in Sunday’s final (19:00 GMT) after they beat Egypt 1-0 in Wednesday’s first semi-final.
The Super Eagles will play Egypt in the third-place place on Saturday.
Morocco are now unbeaten in 26 matches – a run stretching back to their last-16 exit at the 2023 Afcon.
But this is only their second Afcon final – having won the 1976 tournament via a final group phase and lost to Tunisia in 2004 – which explains why the fans in the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, and across the country, are so desperate to see their team claim the title on home soil.
For more than a decade, King Mohammed VI has pumped huge amounts of money into Moroccan football, using it as a tool for cultural and societal change.
Having impressed the world by becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final at Qatar 2022, being crowned continental champions is the final piece of the puzzle.
Just like the quarter-final win over Cameroon, the atmosphere inside this newly-renovated stadium was frenzied.
But unlike the game against the Indomitable Lions, Nigeria’s more experienced side were able to soak up the early pressure and limit their hosts’ opportunities.
Fulham defender Calvin Bassey in particular was outstanding for Eric Chelle’s side, despite picking up a harsh yellow card in the 33rd minute after his hand caught Diaz in the face – a booking that would have seen him miss the final through suspension.
As well as his misjudged header, Diaz curled an early effort wide of Stanley Nwabali’s goal, having cut in from the right flank, while the keeper also made a good block at his near post after Ismael Saibari did well to juggle the ball and fashion a pocket of space for himself.
Chances were at even more of a premium after half-time, which might explain the huge appeals for a penalty when captain Hakimi fired a shot towards goal that hit Bassey’s arm.
But, having taken a touch of another defender, and also having struck his stomach first, the video assistant referee was right not get involved.
Morocco also dominated extra-time without finding a clear-cut opening.