BREAKING: Host Nation, Morocco Defeat Gallant Super Eagles To Reach AFCON 2025 Final
Morocco have reached the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after defeating Super Eagles of Nigeria on penalties in a semi-final tie on Wednesday.
The Genius Media Nigeria reports that The Atlas lion will play Senegal in Sunday’s showpiece after they defeated Egypt 1-0 in the other semi-final earlier thanks to a Sadio Mane strike.
Eric Chelle made one change to the side that defeated Algeria 2-0 in the quarterfinal.
Raphael Onyedika replaced suspended captain Wilfred Ndidi while Victor Osimhen led the team out for the encounter.
In goal, Stanley Nwabali kept his place with the quartet of Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Bright Osayi-Samuel providing cover for him.
Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, and Raphael Onyedika occupied the middle of the park with Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Akor Adams in the attack.
Semi Ajayi almost presented Morocco with an early goal before he recovered to produce a timely block in the second minute.
Brahimi Diaz’s curler flew inches wide after he showed impressive foot work to get behind Nigeria’s defence.
Lookman’s effort from the outside the 18-yard box was parried to safety by the Moroccan goalkeeper.
Calvin Bassey was booked for a foul on Brahimi Diaz while the resulting free kick by Achraf Hakimi flew inches wide.
Both sides failed to break the deadlock in the first half with Morocco having the upper hand with five shots, and 57% of the ball possession.
Raphael Onyedika was booked for a foul in the 77th minute.
Morocco’s penalty shout was turned down by the referee after Hakimi’s effort hit Bassey’s hand in the box.
Two minutes later, Nwabali produced another save to deny Abde Ezzalzouli in the 82nd minute.
Both sides could not find a breakthrough in the regulation time to send the game into extra-time.
The extra time ended goalless as the game went straight into penalty shootout.
