Yassine Bounou saved two penalties. Youssef En-Nesyri netted the decisive spot kick. Hosts Morocco secured a 4-2 shootout victory over Nigeria. This followed their 0-0 draw in a tense Africa Cup of Nations semi-final in Rabat on Wednesday.
Morocco is seeking their first continental title in 50 years. They will face 2021 winners Senegal in Sunday’s decider in Rabat. Nigeria will take on Egypt in the third-place playoff a day before.
The 120 minutes before the shootout had few clear-cut chances for either side. Morocco created the greater opportunities. However, they were denied by some fine saves from Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Nigeria had the best scoring record in the competition coming into the semi-final. However, they offered very little going forward. It was a limp display.
Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi saw their tame penalties saved in the shootout. They were left to reflect on a performance that showed little ambition.
Morocco were workmanlike and efficient throughout the competition. They have yet to find their best form.
They are on the brink of a first continental crown since 1976. However, their biggest challenge awaits in an impressive Senegal side. Senegal beat Egypt 1-0, thanks to Sadio Manes winner in the first semi-final in Tangier earlier on Wednesday.
The first half hour in Rabat was devoid of goalmouth chances. This changed when Achraf Hakimis corner was headed into the path of Ayoub El Kaabi, positioned five yards from goal.
He was caught in two minds. He could not decide whether to turn and shoot or try an overhead kick. In the end, he did neither, and the chance was lost.
Morocco chances
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. Morocco mostly attempted long-range efforts. These attempts proved comfortable enough to save.
Nigeria had few opportunities. When talisman Victor Osimhen received a pass in the box, his touch was poor. As a result, the rare chance was lost.
Nayef Aguerds header from a corner hit the outside of the post. The hosts went close. Penalties seemed inevitable well before the 120 minutes were up.
Following Bounous’s saves, En-Nesyri struck the decisive spot-kick. This sent his side into their first final since the 2004 loss to Tunisia.
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