By

Eniola Olatunji 

 

The Atlas Lions of Morocco on Wednesday night in Rabat booked their place in the final of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), edging Nigeria’s Super Eagles 4–2 on penalties after a tense goalless draw that lasted 120 minutes.

 

In a pulsating semi-final played before a packed and partisan crowd at the Rabat Stadium, both sides failed to find the breakthrough in regulation time and extra time, forcing the contest to be decided from the spot. Morocco held their nerve in the shootout, converting four penalties to Nigeria’s two to secure only their second-ever AFCON final appearance, the first since 2004.

 

It was the second penalty shootout of the tournament, following the Round of 16 encounter between Mali and Tunisia. For Nigeria, it marked their ninth penalty shootout in AFCON history, while it was Morocco’s fourth—and their first-ever shootout victory at the competition.

 

Nigerian wingers Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, who both delivered strong performances during open play, were inconsolable after missing their spot kicks. Substitute Paul Onuachu, who featured for barely a minute, successfully converted his penalty, as did fellow substitute Dele Bashiru, but it was not enough to save the Super Eagles.

 

Morocco’s victory was sealed by Youssef En-Nesyri, while Igamane, 20-year-old Shegir, and captain Achraf Hakimi also scored their penalties. Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali briefly kept hope alive by saving El Aynaoui’s effort, but Morocco’s composure ultimately prevailed.

 

The match itself defied conventional statistics, offering little in terms of flowing possession or sustained attacking play. Instead, it was a tactical battle defined by individual duels, discipline, and defensive organization. Morocco appeared eager to end the contest before penalties, introducing only attacking substitutes in a sustained late push to force a goal.

 

Nigeria’s key attackers struggled to make an impact. Victor Osimhen, who carried an injury, along with Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams, were effectively neutralized by the Moroccan back line. Defender Calvin Bassey received a yellow card in the 33rd minute for a rough tackle and will miss Nigeria’s next match, though Wilfred Ndidi is expected to return.

 

The atmosphere inside the stadium was intense, with seas of red-clad Moroccan supporters booing Nigerian players during their entrance and reacting vocally to every attacking move. Morocco will now contest their second AFCON final, having last reached the showpiece match in 2004.

 

Nigeria will face old rivals Egypt in the third-place playoff on Saturday, 17 January, at 5pm in Casablanca, while the grand finale between the Teranga Lions of Senegal and the Atlas Lions of Morocco will take place on Sunday, 18 January, at 8pm in Rabat.

 

Morocco’s route to the semi-finals saw them score nine goals and concede just one, with four clean sheets. They defeated Comoros 2–0, drew 1–1 with Mali, and beat Zambia 3–1 in the group stage, before edging Tanzania 1–0 in the Round of 16 and overcoming Cameroon 2–0 in the quarter-finals.

 

Nigeria, ranked 38th in the world, enjoyed a prolific tournament, scoring 14 goals and conceding four, with two clean sheets. The Super Eagles beat Tanzania 2–1, Tunisia 3–2, and Uganda 3–1 in the group stage, thrashed Mozambique 4–0 in the Round of 16, and eliminated Algeria 2–0 in the quarter-finals. Nigeria are making their 21st AFCON appearance, having won the title in 1980, 1994, and 2013, alongside five silver and eight bronze medals.

 

Morocco, ranked 11th globally, are appearing at AFCON for the 20th time. They lifted the title once in 1976 in Ethiopia, finished runners-up in 2004, and have twice ended the tournament in fourth place.

 

Away from the pitch, tragedy struck in Rabat on Wednesday with the death of renowned Malian sports journalist Mohammed Soumane. Soumane was found dead in his hotel room, where he had been staying to cover both the semi-finals and final of the tournament. The cause of death is yet to be determined. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that a public statement will be issued in due course.