Historic! The Atlas Lions defeat Nigeria and fly to the 2025 AFCON final!

Under the direction of the Ghanaian referee, the Moroccans started the match with strong pressure, trying to unsettle the Nigerian block from the outset. Despite numerous forays into the opposing penalty area, the attempts to find the breakthrough lacked precision in the final touch. On their side, Victor Osimhen’s teammates relied on quick counterattacks, but the Moroccan defensive organization and the vigilance of Yassine Bounou neutralized each incursion.

The second half and extra time were marked by a balance of forces where each team had the opportunity to decide the match. However, the duel between Yassine Bounou and Stanley Nwabali turned into a technical masterclass, with the two goalkeepers making decisive saves to keep their teams afloat. The Moroccan pressure remained constant, alternating between attacks on the wings and long-range shots, without managing to find the back of the net.

The physical exhaustion of extra time did not diminish the determination of the two teams, although the haste often took precedence over lucidity. It was ultimately the fateful penalty shootout that sealed the fate of this semi-final, offering Morocco their first qualification for the AFCON final since 2004. This success crowns a solid run and rewards the unwavering support of the capital’s public.

Thanks to this victory, Morocco joins Senegal, already qualified after their success against Egypt (1-0), for a final that promises to be the highlight of this continental tournament. The match will be held on Sunday, January 18 at 8:00 PM, still on the pitch of the Moulay Abdellah complex in Rabat.

The Atlas Lions will have the opportunity to win a historic title in front of their supporters, putting an end to more than two decades of waiting for a final of this magnitude.