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Hosts Morocco will face Sadio Mané’s Senegal in this weekend’s Africa Cup of Nations final after both sides edged through tense semi-finals on Wednesday, once again denying Mohamed Salah his elusive title.
Morocco defeated Nigeria 4–2 on penalties after a tight, low-key contest in Rabat ended goalless following extra time. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou proved decisive, saving spot-kicks from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi before Youssef En-Nesyri converted the winning penalty to ignite celebrations among more than 65,000 supporters at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
There was relief for Hamza Igamane, whose earlier penalty had been saved by Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali, as Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi and his teammates held their nerve. Coach Walid Regragui described the match as one of their toughest, praising his players and the Moroccan fans while stressing the need for quick recovery ahead of the final.
The match itself produced few chances, with Nigeria managing just two shots throughout. Morocco continue to chase their first AFCON title in 50 years and only their second overall, while Nigeria’s hopes ended painfully, two years after losing the final in Ivory Coast. Despite the disappointment, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle said his side, led by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, had arguably been the tournament’s best team.
Earlier in Tangiers, Mané scored a 78th-minute winner to hand Senegal a 1–0 victory over Egypt. The 33-year-old later revealed the tournament would be his last AFCON and said he hoped to lift the trophy for Senegal. Defending champions Senegal controlled possession, while Egypt once again fell short, leaving Salah still without a continental title after five attempts.
The win sends Senegal into their fourth AFCON final, and their third in four editions, setting up a high-stakes showdown with hosts Morocco.
