The stage is set for a thrilling Africa Cup of Nations final as Morocco secured their spot in the championship match with a nail-biting 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Nigeria. The semi-final clash ended goalless after extra time, with the hosts relying on the heroics of goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to deny their opponents in the shootout.
Bounou's saves from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi proved to be the turning point in the match, as Morocco sealed their first appearance in the Afcon final since 2004. The tournament hosts will now face Senegal in the final on Sunday, seeking their first continental title in 50 years. The Atlas Lions have been impressive throughout the tournament, and their victory over Nigeria has set up a highly anticipated showdown with the Lions of Teranga.
Nigeria, on the other hand, will face Egypt in the third-place playoff on Saturday. The Super Eagles had been in scintillating form coming into the semi-final, with a tournament-leading 14 goals in five games. However, they were unable to replicate that form against Morocco, offering very little in terms of attacking threat. The decision to withdraw star striker Victor Osimhen moments before the penalty shootout also raised eyebrows, and ultimately proved to be a costly one.
The 120 minutes of regular and extra time were marked by a lack of clear-cut chances for either side, with both teams struggling to create scoring opportunities. The first half-hour of the match was particularly barren, with neither team able to muster a shot on goal.
One of the few chances that did fall to Morocco came when Achraf Hakimi's corner was headed into the path of Ayoub El Kaabi, but the striker was unable to get his shot away in time. Ismael Saibari also showed excellent skill to work a shooting chance, but Nigeria keeper Stanley Nwabali was equal to his effort. Nwabali was by far the busier keeper in the game, but the hosts were mostly reduced to long-range efforts that proved comfortable enough to save.
Nigeria's attacking threat was virtually non-existent, with Osimhen's rare chance in the box squandered due to a poor touch. The Super Eagles did have a few half-chances, but they were unable to capitalize on them. Nayef Aguerd's header from a corner hit the outside of the post as the hosts went close, but penalties seemed inevitable well before the 120 minutes were up.
The stage is now set for a thrilling final between Morocco and Senegal, with the hosts seeking to end their 50-year wait for a continental title. The Atlas Lions will be confident of their chances, having overcome a tough Nigerian side in the semi-final. However, Senegal will be no pushover, and the final promises to be an exciting and closely contested match.
In the end, Morocco's victory over Nigeria was a testament to their determination and resilience. The hosts had to overcome a tough opponent and a penalty shootout to secure their spot in the final, and they will be eager to make the most of their opportunity. With the Africa Cup of Nations title within their grasp, Morocco will be giving it their all to bring home the trophy.
Original: The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
Written by Npsports
