Morocco edged past Nigeria in the semi final of the AFCON 2025 tournament on Wednesday night.
Just like the Moroccan team, the Super Eagles couldn’t find a breakthrough after 120 minutes of football in their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 semi-final clash at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Wednesday, forcing the contest into extra time and putting the outcome in the hands of a penalty shootout to decide who will meet Senegal in Sunday’s final.
In the penalty shootout Morocco put four goals into the net while Nigeria managed to put only two goals.
The tightly contested encounter remained goalless at full time, with both sides struggling to convert their chances despite periods of dominance. Morocco, backed by passionate home support, had the greater share of possession and created the more consistent pressure, but Nigeria’s defence stood firm throughout regulation.
Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman threatened Nigeria’s first real opportunity just before halftime, but the Moroccan goalkeeper produced a strong save to keep the game level. Morocco responded with their own chances, including a curling free kick from Achraf Hakimi and later a close header from Nayef Aguerd that struck the woodwork.
With the score still 0-0 after 90 minutes, the match entered extra time, where both teams showed signs of fatigue but continued to probe for a winner. Neither side could break the deadlock, despite late pressure from the hosts and resolute defending by the Super Eagles.
As of the end of extended play, neither team had managed to find the decisive goal, setting the stage for a dramatic penalty shootout to determine who will advance to face Senegal — who earlier sealed their own final spot with a 1-0 win over Egypt.
The Super Eagles will now face Egypt in the third-place match scheduled for Saturday, 17th January at Stade Mohamed V.
