Nigeria v Morocco dwell: Penalties determine nervy Afcon semi-final as Senegal study opponents

Morocco players celebrate as they advance to the Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal (AFP via Getty Images)

Hosts Morocco will play for their first Africa Cup of Nations title since 1976 after advancing to Sunday’s final thanks to a nervy penalty shoot-out win over Nigeria in Rabat.

After a tense 120 minutes were goalless, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi in the shoot-out as Youssef En-Nesyri scored the decisive kick to send Morocco into a final against Senegal. Neil El Aynaoui, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Achraf Hakimi also scored for Morocco.

Nigeria managed just two shots across the 120 minutes, with one on target, while star striker Victor Osimhen was taken off before the penalty shoot-out and at the end of extra time.

Earlier, Sadio Mane was the hero for Senegal as he scored the winning goal against Egypt. Senegal will be bidding for a second Africa Cup of Nations crown, having won their first title four years ago.

Follow all the action from Nigeria v Morocco in our live blog below:

MOROCCO INTO AFCON FINAL!

(REUTERS)
(AFP via Getty Images)
(REUTERS)
Chris Wilson14 January 2026 22:59

MOROCCO BEAT NIGERIA 4-2 ON PENALTIES

Morocco will contest their first Afcon final since 2004, as they face Senegal in Sunday’s showpiece event in Rabat.

Nigeria will take on Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday evening in Casablanca.

Chris Wilson14 January 2026 22:54

MOROCCO BEAT NIGERIA 4-2 ON PENALTIES

Youssef En-Nesyri with a confident run up and he priduces the best penalty of the shooutout, fizzing it low and right inti the bottom corner past Nwabali to give the Atlas Lions the win!

Morocco will contest the Afcon final against Senegal on Sunday!

(REUTERS)
Chris Wilson14 January 2026 22:49

PENALTIES: Nigeria 2-3 Morocco

Bruno Onyemaechi has his poor penalty saved and Morocco will be in the final if they score the next spot kick!

Chris Wilson14 January 2026 22:48

PENALTIES: Nigeria 2-3 Morocco

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi up next!

As you’d expect, it’s a cool penalty from the captain as he fires past Nwabali.

Chris Wilson14 January 2026 22:47

PENALTIES: Nigeria 2-2 Morocco

Dele-Bashiru scores with aplomb, sending the ‘keeper the wrong way as he fires it low.

Chris Wilson14 January 2026 22:46

PENALTIES: Nigeria 1-2 Morocco

A huge roar as Ben Seghir steps up and dispatches a great penalty, high and past a sprawling Nwabali.

Chris Wilson14 January 2026 22:45

PENALTIES: Nigeria 1-1 Morocco

Samuel Chukwueze up next. Can he press home the advantage?

He can’t! It’s another poor penalty, and Bounou guesses right to keep it out easily.

Chris Wilson14 January 2026 22:44

PENALTIES: Nigeria 1-1 Morocco

Hamza Igamane, once of Rangers, is the second to take for the Atlas Lions.

He steps up and sends it low to the left but Nwabali guesses correctly and gets a hand to it!

Not a great penalty but advantage Nigeria!

Chris Wilson14 January 2026 22:43

PENALTIES: Nigeria 1-1 Morocco

Onuachu – who replaced Osimhen late on – is first up for Nigeria.

And he scores! Slotted in low and confidently.

Chris Wilson14 January 2026 22:42