Hosts Morocco will meet Senegal in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a gripping semi-final double-header delivered drama, tension and contrasting paths to qualification.
Morocco sealed their place in Sunday’s showpiece in Rabat by edging Nigeria 4–2 on penalties after a goalless draw following extra time, as the hosts once again relied on composure and defensive resilience to survive a high-stakes knockout tie.
Morocco will play Sadio Mane’s Senegal in this weekend’s Africa Cup of Nations final after both emerged victorious in tense last-four ties on Wednesday as Mohamed Salah’s dreams of winning the title were again dashed.
In Tangier earlier on Wednesday, Senegal booked their return to the AFCON final with a narrow 1–0 victory over Egypt, ending the Pharaohs’ hopes of a record-extending eighth continental title and underlining the Lions of Teranga’s growing pedigree at the top level of African football.
Morocco hold their nerve under Rabat pressure
Backed by a passionate home crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Morocco absorbed sustained Nigerian pressure across 120 minutes in a contest defined by discipline rather than flair.
Neither side could find a breakthrough in regulation time or extra time, with clear chances at a premium and both defences holding firm as the tension mounted.
The semi-final was ultimately decided from the spot, where Morocco converted four of their five penalties to Nigeria’s two, sparking wild celebrations in the stands as the Atlas Lions reached their first AFCON final since lifting the trophy on home soil in 1976.
Morocco beat Nigeria 4-2 on penalties after their semifinal showdown of few chances in capital Rabat finished 0-0 at the end of extra time, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou performing heroics by saving twice in the shoot-out.
Bounou, of Saudi side Al-Hilal, saved from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, allowing Youssef En-Nesyri to convert the winning kick and spark wild celebrations among over 65 000 fans inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
As well as joy there was relief for Hamza Igamane, who had appeared distraught after his kick – Morocco’s second in the shoot-out – was saved by Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
He was the only Moroccan player to fail to score in the shoot-out, however, with captain and talisman Achraf Hakimi among those who converted their penalties.
Senegal edge Egypt to continue title push
Senegal’s route to the final was more direct but no less intense, as they overcame Egypt 1–0 in a tightly contested encounter at the Stade de Tangier.
The defending champions of 2021 showed patience and control against an experienced Egyptian side, with Sadio Mane’s strike proving decisive in a match where fine margins once again separated success from disappointment.
For Egypt, the defeat brought an end to their latest pursuit of continental glory, while Senegal’s victory confirmed their status as one of Africa’s most consistent tournament teams in recent years.
Final and third-place play-off confirmed
Sunday’s final will see Morocco attempt to complete a memorable home campaign against a Senegal side aiming to reclaim the title they won in 2021.
The AFCON 2025 final will be played on Sunday, 18 January, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
With a packed stadium, a host nation dreaming of history and a reigning powerhouse seeking affirmation, the stage is set for a final that promises to cap a compelling Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Egypt and Nigeria will contest the third-place play-off on Saturday, 17 January, at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.
