Nigeria 0-0 (2-4) Morocco result: Africa Cup of Nations hosts win crunch semi-final on penalties to set up Senegal showdown

Africa Cup of Nations hosts Morocco edged past Nigeria on penalties to reach their first AFCON final in 22 years.

A packed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat was treated to a match high on intensity but low on chances as arguably the two strongest teams up to this stage of the tournament cancelled each other out in a fascinating tactical battle in the Moroccan capital.

It was the home side who had far more of the attempts on goal in the game, hitting the post through Nayef Aguerd and going extremely close when a curling Brahim Diaz effort bent fractionally wide.

But Nigeria held firm throughout 120 minutes, with centre-back Calvin Bassey a rock in defence, defying the Moroccan attack time and again, as the game ended goalless.

The Super Eagles, who had taken off an exhausted Victor Osimhen with just moments of extra-time remaining, were given the early edge in the shootout when Stanley Nwabali saved Hamza Igamane’s effort. But it was Morocco who ultimately triumphed, with Yassine Bounou making two saves off poor penalties from Bruno Onyemaechi and Samuel Chukwueze, before Youssef En-Nesyri sealed the shootout 4-2.

A jubilant Morocco celebrated a famous win, and they will return to Rabat on Sunday in search of their first AFCON title in half a century, with Senegal awaiting them in the final.

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After all of that drama, an exhausted Morocco will need to recover and be at their best for Sunday’s final against a Senegal side who outclassed Egypt in the first semi-final. Senegal remain underrated, despite having a well-balanced squad packed full of top talent. It’s going to be a fascinating game on Sunday evening, back at this same stadium in Morocco’s coastal capital, and you know the atmosphere is going to be off the charts!

The celebrations begin as Morocco triumph, with En-Nesyri picking out the bottom corner to push Rabat towards full eruption. Incredible scenes!

The stadium erupts in Rabat as Bruno’s penalty goes the same way as Bono, who went early, and he stretches out a strong hand back towards the centre of his goal to save. Morocco need one to win.

Morocco captain Hakimi slots home and pumps up the crowd. Coolness personified.

Dele-Bashiru sends the keeper the wrong way and levels it up after three apiece.

That’s a nice penalty. Ben Seghir steps up a slots into the top corner to calm some of the nerves and inch Morocco back ahead.

It’s back level as a tame penalty by Chukwueze is easily saved by Bono. The Morocco players embrace Igamane after his earlier miss.

It’s advantage Nigeria as Nwabali tips Igamane’s scuffed effort around the post!

Onuachu came on deep in stoppage time, and this was why, as he confidently slides his penalty home.

Il Aynaoui steps up to take the first penalty of the shoot out in Rabat. He’s made to wait for a long time as the referee speaks to the two keepers, but he keeps his cool and slots home.

The final whistle sounds and this AFCON semi-final will be decided by penalties.

Many of the players look out on their feet and there’s tension in the stands of this wonderful new stadium in Rabat. It remains 0-0 as we enter one minute of added time in extra-time.

Saibari makes way as the clock ticks towards the final whistle, with Ben Seghir coming on. Strangely, with penalties just moments away, Osimhen is taken off by Nigeria, replaced by Onuachu.

It’s Morocco who continue to look the likelier to win it if either team is going to, and Nigeria are defending in heroic fashion, particularly Bassey, who heads clear a dangerous cross for the countless time. He’s been incredible tonight, Nigeria’s man of the match for sure.

There’s so much on the line here and the teams are on the edge with each other. Words are flying around faster than the ball at the moment.

Brahim Diaz has faded badly after a sparkling first hour or so, and is finally replaced, with Ilias Akhomach coming on.

It’s so tense in Rabat. Morocco have been so good for a number of years now that it’s easy to forget that international success isn’t something this nation is used to. It’s been 50 years since they last won the AFCON.

The players head to the sidelines for a drink and tactical instruction before the final 15 minutes of extra time. The spectre of penalties is beginning to loom large.