A Semi-Final Played on the Edge

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In front of a raucous home crowd in Rabat, Morocco and Nigeria delivered a tense, hard-fought semi-final that finished scoreless after 120 minutes. Chances came and went, but neither side found the breakthrough in open play.

The hosts controlled long stretches, while the Super Eagles relied on pace and physicality on the counter. Goalkeepers Yassine Bono and Stanley Nwabali stood tall, keeping the contest alive deep into extra time.

Extra Time Brings Pressure, Not Goals

Extra time followed the same script: Morocco pushing, Nigeria resisting. Nayef Aguerd rattled the crossbar with a header, while substitute Igamane went close, only to be denied by Nwabali.

At the other end, Victor Osimhen struggled to find space before being withdrawn late on, a clear sign both managers were already preparing for penalties.

A Tense Shootout in Rabat

The shootout unfolded with drama from the first kick.

• Aynaoui opened confidently, wrong-footing Nwabali.
• Paul Onuachu responded by beating Bono to level it.
• Igamane blinked first, denied by Nwabali.
• Samuel Chukwueze followed suit, his effort saved.
• Eliesse Ben Seghir restored Morocco’s edge with power.
• Fisayo Dele-Bashiru kept Nigeria alive, sending Bono the wrong way.
• Achraf Hakimi made it 3-2 with authority.
• Bruno Onyemaechi failed to convert, Bono guessing right.
• Youssef En-Nesyri stepped up and finished calmly to seal it.

Morocco win 4-2 on penalties.

Bono the Hero, Morocco Dream On

Once again, Bono proved decisive on the biggest stage, delivering when it mattered most. His save in the shootout swung the momentum irreversibly toward the hosts.

With the win, Morocco advance to the AFCON 2025 final, where they will chase continental glory on home soil. For Nigeria, it was heartbreak after a disciplined and resilient display that deserved more—but football, once again, came down to nerve and precision.

AFCON 2025 now has its final set. And Rabat is ready.

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