January 15, 2026 | 08:56 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Morocco's national team secured a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final after defeating Nigeria on penalties in the semifinal match at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. After a goalless draw after 120 minutes, Morocco won 4–2 in the shootout.
In the penalty shootout, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou played the decisive role for the hosts. Nigeria's two penalty takers, Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, failed to beat the Sevilla goalkeeper. Meanwhile, Morocco's four penalty takers: Neil El Aynaoui, Elisse Ben Seghir, Achraf Hakimi, and Youssef En-Nesyri, completed their duties perfectly.
Throughout the match, Morocco dominated possession and attacking intensity. The first chance came through Brahim Diaz, although his shot went wide. Nigeria briefly threatened through Ademola Lookman, but Bounou once again showed his reflexes.
Morocco's pressure continued with Achraf Hakimi's free kick and Noussair Mazraoui's shot, forcing Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to work hard. In the second half, Abde Ezzalzouli had two golden opportunities, but both were saved by Nwabali. The deadlock persisted until extra time, before Morocco secured their place in the final on penalties.
In the final, Morocco would face Senegal, who had already secured their place in the final after defeating Egypt 1-0 in the other semifinal at the Grand Stade de Tangier in Tangier.
Senegal's lone goal was scored by team captain Sadio Mane in the 78th minute. The experienced striker capitalized on a lapse in the Egyptian defense to secure the Lions of Teranga's return to the Africa Cup of Nations final.
Senegal played aggressively from the start. Nicolas Jackson and Habib Diarra threatened the Egyptian goal, but goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy was alert. Entering the second half, Senegal's pressure continued through Lamine Camara and Iliman Ndiaye, before Mane finally broke the deadlock.
Egypt tried to rally in the remaining time, but Senegal's disciplined defense thwarted every attempt. The score remained 1-0 until the final whistle.
With this result, Morocco and Senegal will face each other in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, to be held at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Monday, January 19, at 2:00 a.m. Western Indonesian Time. Meanwhile, Nigeria and Egypt will battle for third place at Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
The final will pit two of Africa's current powerhouses against each other: Morocco, the host nation with great momentum since the 2022 World Cup, and Senegal, the defending champions, who have once again demonstrated consistency in the knockout stages. This matchup has the potential to be the ideal conclusion to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Read: Moroccan U-20 National Team Makes History by Winning 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup
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