In a dramatic and tightly contested semi-final at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat, host nation Morocco edged Nigeria in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw through regulation and extra time, booking their place in the final against Senegal.
The clash at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah lived up to its billing as one of the tournament’s biggest fixtures, with both sides showing tactical awareness and defensive resilience in front of a packed home crowd.
Neither team managed to break the deadlock over 120 minutes of intense football. Morocco, driven by a vocal home support and the creative influence of Brahim Díaz, pressed for openings, but the Super Eagles’ defence stood firm for long periods. Nigeria, unbeaten in the competition leading into this match, struggled to carve out meaningful goal-scoring opportunities against a well-organised Moroccan rearguard.
The match was marked by robust challenges, cautious tactical play, and moments of individual skill, but the scoreboard remained untouched through both 90 minutes and extra time.
With the scoreline still 0–0 after extra time, the semi-final was decided by penalties. In a tense shootout, Morocco held their nerve to prevail and eliminate Nigeria from the competition. The decisive moments came as both teams traded successful spot-kicks and critical saves, ultimately tipping the balance in favour of the Atlas Lions.
Morocco’s victory ended Nigeria’s bid for an AFCON title this year and propelled the hosts into the final, where they will meet Senegal, who advanced by beating Egypt in the other semi-final. Morocco are now one win away from lifting their first Africa Cup of Nations trophy since 1976, a feat that would cement a historic achievement on home soil.
For Nigeria, the narrow defeat brings an end to a strong tournament run, one that saw them go undefeated through the group stage and score freely in earlier rounds but falls just short of another final appearance.