Tournament hosts Morocco moved one step closer to ending a 50-year AFCON title drought after edging Nigeria 4-2 on penalties following a tense goalless semi-final in Rabat. The highly anticipated clash , previewed by SoftFootball ahead of kick-off, lived up to expectations in intensity if not goals, as both sides cancelled each other out over 120 minutes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Nigeria arrived unbeaten and full of confidence after dispatching Algeria in the quarter-finals, a result that underlined their attacking strength earlier in the tournament. However, against a disciplined Moroccan side that had brushed aside Cameroon to reach the semis, chances were scarce, and patience was required from both teams.
The first half was cagey, with Morocco enjoying more of the ball but struggling to convert pressure into clear openings. Brahim Diaz and Achraf Hakimi both went close from distance, while Nigeria's best moment came through Ademola Lookman, whose effort was well saved.
