Rabat, Morocco – January 15, 2026 – Host nation Morocco advanced to the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after defeating Nigeria 4-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a tense 0-0 draw in regulation and extra time. The semi-final clash at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, saw the Atlas Lions secure their place in Sunday's showpiece against Senegal, marking their first AFCON final appearance since 2004.
The match was a tactical battle dominated by defensive solidity, with Morocco controlling much of the possession and generating more attacking threat. The hosts registered 16 shots compared to Nigeria's mere two—the Super Eagles' lowest shot tally in an AFCON match since detailed Opta statistics began in 2010. Despite the one-sided statistics, Nigeria's resolute defense, anchored by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, ensured the game remained goalless through 120 minutes.
The penalty sequence unfolded as follows: Morocco's Neil El Aynaoui opened the scoring, followed by successful conversions from Eliesse Ben Seghir and captain Achraf Hakimi. Nigeria responded through Paul Onuachu and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, but misses proved decisive. Youssef En-Nesyri stepped up to slot home the winning penalty, sending the home crowd into ecstasy and securing a 4-2 shootout triumph.
Nigeria, who entered the tournament as one of the most entertaining sides with the highest goal tally prior to the semi-final, were completely neutralized by Morocco's disciplined backline. Star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman found little space, constantly marshaled by full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui, who excelled in both defensive and attacking phases. Manager Eric Chelle praised his team's resilience despite the disappointment, while acknowledging Morocco's superiority on the night.
The result means Morocco, under coach Walid Regragui, are now just one win away from their first AFCON title since 1976—their second ever. The hosts have been imperious throughout the tournament, conceding only once across five matches before the semi-final and keeping four clean sheets.
Earlier on Wednesday, in the first semi-final held in Tangier, Senegal edged out Egypt 1-0. Sadio Mané scored the decisive goal in the 78th minute, firing low past the Egyptian defense to send the Teranga Lions into their third final in four editions. Senegal dominated proceedings, controlling possession and limiting Egypt to minimal threats, with the Pharaohs failing to register a shot on target until late in the game.
The final on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat promises to be a blockbuster encounter. It will mark the first-ever AFCON meeting between Morocco and Senegal, pitting the home advantage and defensive resilience of the Atlas Lions against the experience and counter-attacking prowess of the 2021 champions.
Nigeria and Egypt will contest the third-place playoff on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in Casablanca, offering both teams a chance to end their campaigns on a positive note.
The 2025 AFCON, hosted across Morocco's modern stadiums, has delivered intense drama, tactical masterclasses, and unforgettable moments. With the hosts now in pole position to lift the trophy on home soil for the first time in 50 years, the continent's football spotlight remains firmly fixed on Rabat as the tournament reaches its climax.
