January 15, (THEWILL) — Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced two crucial penalty saves to guide Morocco past Nigeria and into the Africa Cup of Nations final following a goalless semi-final stalemate. The shoot-out finished 4-2 after Bounou denied Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, allowing Youssef En-Nesyri to convert the winning spot-kick and send Morocco through to face Senegal in Sunday’s title match.
Attacking opportunities proved scarce throughout the opening period, with Ademola Lookman’s fourteenth-minute effort providing the first test for Bounou. The North African side gradually assumed control but found Stanley Nwabali in stubborn form, with Ismael Saibari managing to trouble the Nigerian keeper just before the break. Nwabali continued his impressive display after half-time, diving to his left to keep out Abde Ezzalzouli’s attempt seven minutes into the second period.
The match extended into extra time, where Achraf Hakimi delivered a corner to the far post that found Nayef Aguerd, but the defender’s header crashed against the woodwork. Neil El Aynaoui then unleashed a stinging volley late in the additional thirty minutes, yet neither team could find a breakthrough across the full 120 minutes.
Both sides converted their opening penalties before Hamza Igamane’s effort was stopped by Nwabali. Nigeria could not take advantage, however, with Chukwueze sending a tame kick to Bounou’s left which the keeper anticipated correctly. Three more successful penalties followed before Onyemaechi’s attempt was thwarted by Bounou, who moved sharply to his left in unconventional style.
En-Nesyri then stepped up to complete the victory and book Morocco’s place in their first continental final since 2004. The clash with Senegal on Sunday represents a return to the competition’s showpiece occasion after a 20-year absence for the hosts.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
