Assahafa.com
Morocco toppled the Nigerian giant in a thrilling semifinal. Solid, inspired, and determined, Walid Regragui’s men booked their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final on Wednesday, emerging as serious contenders for the title.
Twenty-two years after their last appearance at this stage of the competition, the Atlas Lions are back in the final. In an electric Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Achraf Hakimi’s teammates reached a new milestone, earning a prestigious victory over Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the perfect opportunity to retain the trophy on home soil.
For this crucial encounter, Walid Regragui named the same starting eleven for the third consecutive match.
Only one change was made on the Nigerian side: Wilfried Ndidi, suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards, was replaced by Onyedika.
Morocco’s first chance came early. In the 3rd minute, following a poor Nigerian clearance, Saibari won the ball and surged toward goal, but his shot was blocked.
The Super Eagles then took time to build their play, facing a Moroccan side alert to the slightest opening to break the deadlock.
In the 9th minute, Brahim Díaz, fed on the right edge of the penalty area, beat Onyemaechi before curling a left-footed shot. Beaten, goalkeeper Nwabali watched the ball skim just past the left post.
Nigeria responded in the 14th minute when Lookman unleashed a powerful right-footed diagonal shot, superbly pushed away by Yassine Bounou.
Both teams then engaged in a fierce contest, technical and physical, with Morocco enjoying a slight edge in possession (56%) up to the 25th minute.
Despite constant Moroccan pressure (five shots to one by the 35th minute), neither Díaz with a header, nor El Kaabi, nor Hakimi from a free kick managed to find the breakthrough.
From the 30th minute onward, Eric Chelle’s men opted for a low defensive block to contain Moroccan attacks.
Just before halftime, after a one-two with a teammate, Saibari found himself one-on-one and fired a shot, but Nwabali excelled with a two-handed save at his near post.
After a few minutes of feeling each other out, Morocco resumed their attacking approach in the second half, creating two chances down the left through Ezzalzouli and El Kaabi, the latter arriving slightly late to meet a pass from Mazraoui.
The Atlas Lions were particularly dangerous down the left flank, where Ezzalzouli caused Osayi numerous problems.
Up to the 15th minute of the second half, the Super Eagles failed to produce a single clear-cut chance.
However, following a clearance by Bounou and a layoff from Díaz, El Kaabi nearly caught the Nigerian defense out, but Bassey recovered well to snuff out the danger.
Thereafter, Walid Regragui’s men gradually suffocated the Nigerians, giving them no respite. On both the left and right flanks, Morocco dominated play, yet still could not find the back of the net.
In the 79th minute, the hosts appealed for a penalty. Achraf Hakimi’s shot was blocked inside the box by Calvin Bassey, but the referee, without consulting VAR, allowed play to continue.
Neither teams could be separated at the end of regular time, sending the match into extra time.
The Atlas Lions continued to control the game, while the Nigerians remained dangerous whenever they had possession.
After a tense contest, the Atlas Lions ultimately triumphed in the penalty shootout (4–2), thanks to a heroic performance from Bounou.
Source: map
