Morocco moved to the brink of continental history after defeating Nigeria 4–2 on penalties following a tense 0–0 draw in their Africa Cup of Nations semi-final in Rabat, securing a place in Sunday’s final against Senegal.

Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero for the hosts, saving two spot-kicks in the shootout, while Youssef En-Nesyri calmly converted the decisive penalty to spark wild celebrations inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

The Atlas Lions, chasing their first AFCON title since 1976, will now face defending champions Senegal, who edged Egypt 1–0 in the first semi-final thanks to a decisive strike from Sadio Mané. Nigeria, meanwhile, will contest the third-place playoff against Egypt.

The semi-final itself was a cagey affair with few clear-cut chances over 120 minutes. Morocco looked the more purposeful side and created the better openings, but were repeatedly denied by Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who produced a series of fine saves to keep the Super Eagles in the contest.

Despite arriving with the tournament’s best attacking record, Nigeria struggled to impose themselves and offered little threat going forward. Their lack of ambition was ultimately punished in the shootout, where Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi both saw their penalties saved by Bounou.

Morocco, efficient and disciplined throughout the competition, came close to breaking the deadlock in normal time. Ayoub El Kaabi hesitated over a close-range chance from an Achraf Hakimi corner, while Ismael Saibari and Nayef Aguerd also went close, Aguerd’s header striking the outside of the post.

Nigeria’s best opportunity fell to talisman Victor Osimhen, but a poor touch in the box squandered a rare opening. Head coach Eric Chelle’s late decision to substitute Osimhen moments before the shootout proved costly, as one of his replacements, Chukwueze, failed from the spot.

With penalties looming inevitable long before extra time ended, Bounou’s composure and En-Nesyri’s winning kick sealed Morocco’s first AFCON final appearance since their 2004 defeat to Tunisia — and kept alive dreams of ending a 50-year wait for continental glory.