Host Morocco beats Nigeria in semi-final shootout
Yassine Bounou saved two penalties and Youssef En Nesyri netted the decisive spot-kick as host Morocco secured a 4-2 shootout victory over Nigeria after a 0-0 draw in a tense Africa Cup of Nations semi-final in Rabat.
Morocco, seeking a first continental title in 50 years, will face 2021 winner Senegal in Monday's (AEDT) decider in Rabat, while Nigeria takes on Egypt in the third-place play-off a day before that.
The 120 minutes before the shootout had few clear-cut chances for either side, but it was Morocco that created the greater opportunities, but it was denied by some fine saves from Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Nigeria had the best scoring record in the competition coming into the semi-final, but offered very little going forward in a limp display.
And when Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi saw their tame penalties saved in the shootout, it was left to reflect on a performance that showed little ambition.
Morocco was workmanlike and efficient as it has been all throughout the competition, even if it is still to find its best form.
It is on the brink of a first continental crown since 1976, but its biggest challenge awaits in an impressive Senegal side, which beat Egypt 1-0 thanks to Sadio Mane’s late winner in the first semi-final earlier in the day.
The first half hour in Rabat was devoid of goalmouth chances until Achraf Hakimi’s corner was headed into the path of Ayoub El Kaabi five yards from goal.
But he was caught in two minds whether to turn and shoot or try an overhead kick, and in the end did neither as the chance was lost.
Morocco's Ismael Saibari showed excellent skill to work a shooting chance but Nwabali was equal to his effort.
He was by far the busier keeper in the game, but Morocco was mostly reduced to long-range efforts that proved comfortable enough to save.
Nigeria had few opportunities and when talisman Victor Osimhen did receive a pass in the box, his touch was poor and the rare chance was lost.
Nayef Aguerd’s header from a corner hit the outside of the post as the hosts went close, but penalties seemed inevitable well before the 120 minutes were up.
After Bounou’s saves, En-Nesyri struck the decisive spot-kick to send his side into their first final since a 2004 loss to Tunisia.
