US EditionNigeria/Senegal: Morocco Edge Out Nigeria On Penalties to Face Senegal in 2025 Afcon Finals
Morocco converted all four penalties and forced Nigeria to miss two in a goalless semi-final to reach their first AFCON final in 24 years, where they will face Senegal.
- On Wednesday night, host nation Morocco reached the AFCON 2025 final at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat after a goalless 120 minutes, advancing to meet Senegal on Sunday.
- The semifinal was defined by defensive discipline and structure as both Morocco and Nigeria displayed strong resolve and tactical discipline, with Calvin Bassey leading Nigeria's defensive block and a touchline scuffle reflecting rising frustration.
- Morocco registered 16 shot attempts to Nigeria's 2 and forced five saves from Stanley Nwabali, while Morocco converted all four penalties with Youssef En-Nesyri sealing the shootout, Nigeria missed two, resulting in a 4-2 result.
- LEADERSHIP notes this is Morocco's first final in 24 years, while Nigeria must now prepare for Saturday's third-place match against Egypt.
- Penalty shootouts are widely framed as psychological contests, not indictments, and analysts say Nigeria can improve possession phases and set pieces before Saturday’s match with Egypt.
18 Articles
18 Articles
To reach the CAN final this Sunday against Senegal, Morocco has been able to rely both on the results of its investments in terms of training, but also on its rich diasporas, and on many players born or trained abroad.
Three and a half years after his arrival at the head of the Lions de l'Atlas, Walid Regragui managed a part of his challenge: to bring Morocco back to the final of the CAN. From now on, he still has to win the sacre at home, this Sunday 18 January, against Senegal. A title that would crown the work of the technician, bitten with a ball entirely dedicated to this quest.
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Nigeria/Senegal: Morocco Edge Out Nigeria On Penalties to Face Senegal in 2025 Afcon Finals
Hosts nation Morocco have booked their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals, overcoming Nigeria in a dramatic penalty shootout after a goalless draw in a tense semifinal clash at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat on Wednesday night.
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