Host Morocco beat Nigeria 4-2 (0-0, 0-0) on penalties in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations. Coach Walid Regragui’s team will face Senegal in the final.
In an intense game without any major highlights, Morocco was the braver and more active team and deservedly reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2004. Senegal and star striker Sadio Mané are waiting there on Sunday (from 8 p.m.). Nigeria will play in the third place game against Egypt, who were eliminated in the semi-finals after a disappointing performance.
Morocco starts the semi-finals motivated
In front of 64,000 spectators in the sold-out Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, the Moroccans got into the game better. In the third minute, Ismael Sabari won the ball deep in the Nigerian half and ran towards the opponent’s goal. Defender Semi Ajayi blocked his shot attempt at the last moment. Nigeria were impressed by the crowd in the early stages, the Moroccan fans whistled the “Super Eagles” continuously off.
A few minutes later, Brahim Diaz had the first big chance to take the lead for Morocco. The Real Madrid striker finished in Nigeria’s penalty area, but shot the ball just past the goal (9th minute of the game).
Morocco’s Brahim Diaz (from) shoots at the Nigerian goal.
Moroccan Sabari loses the lead shortly before the break
After the rather pale initial phase, Nigeria also entered the game. Ademola Lookman came free from 20 meters and tested Morocco keeper Bono. She parried the shot effortlessly (14th). As a result, both teams slowed down their game. Morocco was no longer able to get clear shots, Nigeria was waiting for moments of change.
It wasn’t until the 33rd minute that a real goal threat arose again when Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi placed a direct free kick just over Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s goal. Seven minutes later, the strong Sabari had the biggest and last chance of the first half. The Moroccan made a remarkable effort against three Nigerians in the opponent’s penalty area, but his shot was missed by Nwabali (40′).
No goals in the second half – Morocco is desperate for Nwabali
Nwabali also brilliantly defused the first shot on goal after the break. After a well-executed counterattack, Morocco’s Abde finished in the penalty area, but the keeper saved it with a strong dive (52′). After an hour, the North Africans had seven shots on goal to two.
An outcry went through the stadium again in the 79th minute when the Nigerian Bassey apparently blocked a shot from Hakimi with his hand in the penalty area. But the ball first hit the defender’s thigh and so the whistle from referee David Laryea from Ghana remained silent. A short time later, the convincing Nwabali was again in the goal for the Nigerian winners against a shot from Abde (83′). It was the last clear chance in regular time, the game went into extra time with a 0-0 score after 90 minutes.
No goals between Morocco and Nigeria even after 120 minutes
Extra time began in Rabat with rain setting in – and with Morocco hitting the post. Defender Nayef Aguerd headed a corner from a tight angle onto the Nigerian outside post (93′). It was to be the only notable scene in the first half of extra time, also because Nigeria defended with concentration. However, the strong offensive of the “Super Eagles” led by Victor Osimhen so far did not get off the ground. Nothing changed in the second 15 minutes, the game went to penalties.
Dramatic penalty shootout with a better ending for Morocco
Neil Ayanaoui (Morocco) and Paul Onuachu were the first two shooters to score. Then Morocco’s Hamza Igamane missed and then Nigeria’s Samu Chukwueze (both saved). Leverkusen’s Eliesse Ben Seghir then scored confidently for Morocco and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru for Nigeria. Hakimi also remained strong nerves for Morocco.
Bruno Onyemaechi then became the unlucky person for Nigeria. The defender failed in his attempt at Bono. A bizarre penalty because Bono decided early on to take a corner – which Onyemaechi actually shot into. Striker Youssef En-Nesyri then converted his penalty and shot Morocco to victory.