Morocco advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations final on penalties, beating Nigeria 4-2 in the final shootout after their semi-final ended goalless after extra time.
Yassine Bounou saved two spot kicks for the tournament hosts, keeping out Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi’s efforts. Nigeria keeper Stanley Nwabali denied Hamza Igamane with the first save of the shootout, but it proved to be in vain.
Youssef En Nesyri stepped up to convert Morocco’s fifth penalty, sealing victory and a first appearance in the Afcon final since 2004, when they lost to Tunisia. Morocco, seeking their first continental title in 50 years, will face Senegal in Sunday’s final.
Nigeria, who withdrew star striker Victor Osimhen moments before the penalty shootout in Rabat, will face Egypt in Saturday’s third-place playoff.
The 120 minutes before the shootout featured few clear-cut chances for either side. It was Morocco who created the greater opportunities, only to be denied by Nwabali, before both teams appeared to settle for penalties deep in extra time.
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