The Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat vibrated until the end of the night this Wednesday, January 14, 2026. After a closed and tactical semi-final, the host country secured its ticket to the final of "its" Africa Cup by defeating Nigeria on penalties (0-0, 4-2 on penalties).

An impassable green and white wall

True to his pre-match promise, Éric Chelle presented a transformed Nigerian team. Usually flamboyant in attack, the Super Eagles traded their flair for an ironclad defensive discipline, deliberately ceding possession to the Moroccans.

Despite their constant dominance, the Atlas Lions struggled to find a way through. Neither Brahim Diaz's forays forward, whose shot grazed the post, nor Ismael Saibari's attempts could breach the vigilance of an imperious Stanley Nwabali on his line. For Nigeria, attacking threat Victor Osimhen remained starved of service, stifled by a vigilant Moroccan defense.

The lack of realism and the specter of extra time

Upon returning from the locker room, the scenario remained the same. Fueled by a frenzied crowd, Walid Regragui 's men launched attack after attack. Abdessamad Ezzalzouli thought he had secured the victory for his team on two occasions, but the Nigerian goalkeeper made a series of outstanding saves, sending the two nations into extra time.

During those extra 30 minutes, fatigue overcame creativity. Both teams, fearing a fatal counter-attack, eventually accepted the inevitable: a penalty shootout.

Yassine Bounou, the savior of Rabat

In the decisive penalty shootout, it was Yassine Bounou 's experience that tipped the scales for the kingdom. Under immense pressure, the Moroccan goalkeeper repelled attempts from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi. Despite Hamza Igamane's miss for the Lions, Morocco prevailed 4-2.

"The entire kingdom had only one goal: to lift the Cup at home. That goal is now within reach."

The final meeting

Morocco has therefore reached the final of its AFCON, joining Senegal for a clash of titans between the last two giants of the continent.

1. Match poster: Morocco 🇲🇦 vs Senegal 🇸🇳
2. Date: January 18, 2026
3. Location: Rabat