Morocco Edge Super Eagles on Penalties to Book AFCON Final Clash with Senegal

Hosts Morocco advanced to the final of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations after edging Nigeria’s Super Eagles 4–2 on penalties following a tense 0–0 draw after extra time in their semi-final clash on Wednesday night in Rabat.

The encounter at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium produced no goals in regulation time or extra time, forcing the match into a shoot-out where Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged the hero with two crucial saves.

Bounou denied Samuel Chukwueze and produced a brilliant stop to keep out Bruno Onyemaechi, paving the way for Youssef En-Nesyri to slot home the decisive kick and ignite wild celebrations among the home supporters.

There was mixed emotion for Hamza Igamane, whose penalty was saved by Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, but relief followed as Morocco still prevailed. Captain Achraf Hakimi and other Moroccan players converted their spot-kicks to seal the win.

The victory sends Morocco into Sunday’s final where they will face Senegal, who defeated Egypt 1–0 in the other semi-final earlier in the day, thanks to a strike from Sadio Mané.

Sunday’s showdown will pit the top two African teams in the FIFA rankings against each other, promising a high-quality finale to the tournament.
Morocco, under coach Walid Regragui, have been under intense pressure to deliver their first AFCON title in over 50 years, and will take confidence from the strong backing of their home crowd as they head into the final.

For Nigeria, the defeat is a painful end to their campaign, coming two years after losing the AFCON final to hosts Ivory Coast. The Super Eagles battled bravely but ultimately fell short in the lottery of penalties.