Morocco beat Nigeria on penalties to set up AFCON final with Senegal

Morocco overcome Nigeria 4-2 on penalties, after the match finished 0-0 following extra time, to reach AFCON final.Published On 15 Jan 2026Yassine Bounou saved ‍two penalties, and Youssef En-Nesyri netted the decisive spot kick as hosts Morocco secured a 4-2 shootout victory over Nigeria following their 0-0 draw in a tense Africa Cup of Nations semifinal in Rabat.Morocco, seeking their first continental title in 50 ⁠years, will face 2021 winners Senegal in Sunday’s decider in Rabat, while Nigeria take on Egypt in ​the third-place playoff a day before.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Relocate our T20 World Cup matches outside India, BCB tells ICC againlist 2 of 4Australia captain, women’s cricket great Alyssa Healy to retirelist 3 of 4Bangladesh cricket ‘affected’ by off-field tensions ahead of T20 World Cuplist 4 of 4India-Bangladesh tensions rock cricket, as sport turns diplomatic weaponend of listThe 120 minutes before the shootout on Wednesday had few ‍clear-cut chances for either side, but it was Morocco who created the greater opportunities, though they were denied by some fine saves from Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.Nigeria had the best scoring record in the competition coming into the semifinal, ‍but offered very ⁠little going forward in a limp display.And when Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi saw their tame penalties saved in the shootout, they were left to reflect on a performance that showed little ambition.Morocco were workmanlike and efficient as they have been all through the competition, even if they are still to find their best form.They are on the brink of a first continental crown since 1976, but their biggest challenge awaits in an impressive ​Senegal side who beat Egypt 1-0 thanks to Sadio Mane’s winner in ‌the first semifinal in Tangier earlier on Wednesday.The first half hour in Rabat was devoid of goalmouth chances until Achraf Hakimi’s corner was headed into the path of Ayoub El Kaabi five yards from goal.But he was caught in two ‌minds whether to turn and shoot or try an overhead kick, and in the end did neither as the chance was lost.Morocco’s Youssef En-Nesyri reacts after scoring his penalty to win the penalty shootout [Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters]Morocco dominate chances as Nigeria fail to fireMorocco’s Ismael ‌Saibari showed excellent skill to work a shooting chance, but Nwabali ⁠was equal to his effort.