Morocco defeats Nigeria in penalty shootout after a goalless 0-0 draw in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday night.

The semi-final match was a tight game, with few clear chances over 120 minutes. Morocco looked the more better and threatening side, creating opening and making attempts, but were repeatedly denied by the Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who kept Super Eagles in the contest with several fine saves.

The first real chance of the match came in the 30th minute when Achraf Hakimi’s corner fell to Ayoub El Kaabi inside the box, but hesitation cost him as the opportunity slipped away. Ismael Saibari later worked space for a shot, only for Nwabali to deny him.

Nigeria offered little in attack, with Victor Osimhen squandering one of their rare openings after a heavy touch in the box. Morocco came closest to scoring when Nayef Aguerd’s header from a corner struck the outside of the post, but as the game wore on, penalties felt inevitable.

Nigeria lost 4-2 to Morocco in penalty, where Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi both had weak penalties saved by Bounou after which Youssef En-Nesyri calmly scored the winning penalty to seal Morocco’s place in the final.

Morocco will now face Senegal, who defeated Egypt 1-0, on Sunday’s final in Rabat, while Nigeria are set to battle Egypt in the third-place playoff on Saturday.

Nigeria vs Morocco Match Stats