2025 AFCON: Morocco beat Nigeria on penalties to set up AFCON final clash with Senegal
14th January 2026
Morocco have booked their place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after beating Nigeria 4-2 on penalties following a tense, goalless semi-final.
The hosts held their nerve in front of a passionate home crowd to prevail from the spot after neither side could find a breakthrough across 120 minutes of fiercely contested football.
Both teams created half-chances during normal time, but clear opportunities were limited as the match became a battle of discipline, patience and defensive organisation. Nigeria, who had won all their previous games at the tournament, struggled to impose their usual attacking rhythm against a well-drilled Moroccan side.
Extra time followed a similar pattern, with fatigue setting in and the stakes weighing heavily on both teams. Despite late pressure and moments of promise at either end, the deadlock remained unbroken, forcing the contest to be decided by penalties.
Morocco proved more composed in the shootout, converting four of their spot-kicks to Nigeria’s two, sparking celebrations inside the stadium as they sealed a place in the final.
The victory sets up a mouth-watering final against Senegal, who earlier beat Egypt to reach the showpiece match. For Morocco, the win keeps alive their dream of lifting the AFCON trophy on home soil.
Nigeria, meanwhile, must quickly regroup as they turn their attention to the third-place playoff, where they will face Egypt. While the Super Eagles fell short of the final, their overall campaign remains strong, and they will look to end the tournament on a positive note.
The 2025 AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal now promises a compelling showdown between two of Africa’s most in-form sides, with continental glory at stake.