Morocco booked their place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a tense and emotionally charged semi-final clash against Nigeria ended in heartbreak for the Super Eagles, with the Atlas Lions prevailing 4–2 on penalties following a hard-fought goalless draw after regulation and extra time.
The high-stakes encounter, played before a passionate home crowd, lived up to its billing as a tactical and physical contest between two of Africa’s football heavyweights. For 120 minutes, neither side could find the decisive breakthrough, despite moments of brilliance, resilience, and defensive discipline that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
DDM NEWS reports that the match unfolded as a chess battle, with both teams showing caution and respect for each other’s attacking threats. Nigeria, fresh from impressive victories earlier in the tournament, entered the game with confidence, while Morocco, buoyed by home support and a well-drilled tactical setup, were determined to reach the final on home soil.
From kickoff, Morocco attempted to assert control through possession and structured buildup play, relying on their technically gifted midfield to dictate tempo. Nigeria, on the other hand, adopted a balanced approach, blending compact defending with quick transitions designed to exploit space behind Morocco’s backline.
Chances were scarce in the opening half, as both defences held firm. Nigeria’s backline remained disciplined, cutting off passing lanes and limiting Morocco’s forwards, while the Atlas Lions successfully neutralised the Super Eagles’ attacking outlets, forcing them into long-range efforts and speculative crosses.
As the game wore on, tension grew in the stadium. Morocco enjoyed spells of pressure, particularly in the second half, but Nigeria’s defensive organisation and goalkeeping kept them at bay. Likewise, Nigeria threatened on the counter, but Morocco’s defenders and goalkeeper stood tall when called upon.
Extra time failed to separate the two sides, setting the stage for the drama of a penalty shootout—a moment that would ultimately define the contest.
In the shootout, Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou once again emerged as the hero, delivering a commanding performance that proved decisive. Known for his composure and penalty-saving prowess, Bounou lived up to his reputation, reading Nigeria’s kicks with remarkable calm and precision.
The shootout began with Morocco converting their first penalty, setting the tone for what would become a psychological battle. Nigeria responded through Paul Onuachu, who confidently slotted home his effort to keep the Super Eagles in contention.
Morocco’s second penalty attempt saw a rare miss, momentarily swinging momentum Nigeria’s way. However, the Super Eagles failed to fully capitalise, as pressure mounted with each kick.
Morocco went on to score through El Aynaoui, Ben Seghir, Achraf Hakimi, and Youssef En-Nesyri, with each successful strike drawing thunderous cheers from the home crowd. Hakimi’s penalty, in particular, was delivered with trademark confidence, while En-Nesyri’s decisive kick sealed Morocco’s passage to the final.
Nigeria’s penalty takers struggled under the intense atmosphere. While Onuachu and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru found the net, the Super Eagles were undone by crucial misses from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, both of whose efforts were expertly saved by Bounou.
The final tally read:
- Morocco: 4 (✅ ❌ ✅ ✅ ✅)
- Nigeria: 2 (✅ ❌ ✅ ❌ –)
As En-Nesyri converted the winning penalty, Moroccan players and fans erupted in celebration, while Nigerian players were left to process a painful exit from the tournament, having come agonisingly close to a place in the final.
DDM NEWS observed scenes of jubilation across the stadium as the Atlas Lions celebrated yet another memorable night in their AFCON journey. For Morocco, the victory was not just about reaching the final but also about reaffirming their status as one of Africa’s most tactically sophisticated and mentally resilient teams.
For Nigeria, the defeat marked a bitter end to an otherwise impressive campaign. The Super Eagles displayed grit, organisation, and attacking potential throughout the tournament, but once again fell short in the lottery of penalties, a fate that has haunted them in past competitions.
Despite the disappointment, Nigeria’s players earned plaudits for their performance, particularly for holding their own against a strong Moroccan side on hostile territory. Analysts believe the experience will serve as a valuable lesson for the team as they look ahead to future continental and global competitions.
With the victory, Morocco now turn their attention to the AFCON 2025 final, where they will face Senegal in what promises to be a thrilling showdown. Senegal secured their place in the final earlier, thanks to an inspired performance led by Sadio Mané, who guided the 2021 champions past Egypt in the first semi-final.
The final, scheduled for Sunday, is expected to be a clash of titans, pitting Morocco’s tactical discipline and home advantage against Senegal’s physicality, experience, and attacking firepower.
As anticipation builds for the showpiece event, DDM NEWS will continue to provide comprehensive coverage, expert analysis, and exclusive insights from AFCON 2025, bringing readers closer to the drama, emotion, and unforgettable moments that define Africa’s biggest football stage.
