Event hosts Morocco moved one step nearer to ending a 50-year AFCON title drought after edging Nigeria 4-2 on penalties following a tense goalless semi-final in Rabat. The extremely anticipated conflict, previewed by SoftFootball forward of kick-off, lived as much as expectations in depth if not objectives, as either side cancelled one another out over 120 minutes on the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Nigeria arrived unbeaten and stuffed with confidence after dispatching Algeria within the quarter-finals, a end result that underlined their attacking power earlier within the event. Nevertheless, towards a disciplined Moroccan aspect that had brushed apart Cameroon to achieve the semis, probabilities have been scarce, and persistence was required from each groups.
The primary half was cagey, with Morocco having fun with extra of the ball however struggling to transform strain into clear openings. Brahim Diaz and Achraf Hakimi each went shut from distance, whereas Nigeria’s finest second got here by means of Ademola Lookman, whose effort was nicely saved.
Stanley Nwabali stood agency for the Tremendous Eagles, producing a number of key stops to maintain the rating stage. After the break, Morocco elevated the tempo, forcing Nigeria deeper. Nayef Aguerd struck the woodwork from a nook in additional time, whereas Hamza Igamane examined Nwabali once more because the Atlas Lions pushed for a winner.
Nigeria, in contrast, discovered attacking rhythm onerous to maintain, managing simply two photographs throughout all the contest. Victor Osimhen was largely remoted and finally withdrawn late in additional time, a call that later drew debate.
With no breakthrough forthcoming, penalties determined the result, as shared by CAF’s official X account. Morocco held their nerve, and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged because the decisive determine, saving spot-kicks from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi.
Achraf Hakimi transformed calmly earlier than Youssef En-Nesyri stepped as much as dispatch the successful penalty and ignite celebrations contained in the stadium. For Nigeria, it was a heartbreaking finish to an in any other case spectacular marketing campaign during which they’d swept previous opponents with authority.
Verify the publish beneath:
Morocco, buoyed by house help and defensive resilience, now advance to their first AFCON remaining since 2004, the place Senegal await in Rabat. With historical past beckoning, the Atlas Lions will consider this might lastly be their second to reclaim continental glory.
