In a thrilling encounter at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, the host nation, Morocco, triumphed over Nigeria in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), winning 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a tense match that ended 0-0 after extra time.
The victory has sent ripples of joy through the Moroccan camp as they prepare for their first AFCON final since 2004, where they hope to claim the coveted title on home soil.
The match was a showcase of defensive resilience and tactical discipline from both teams. Nigeria started strongly, deploying their characteristic pace and movement up front, but were met with a well-organised Moroccan defence.
The Eagles of Nigeria, known for their attacking prowess, struggled to find a cutting edge, with key players like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze constantly thwarted by the Moroccan backline.
Morocco had their fair share of chances too, with winger Hakim Ziyech coming close to scoring on several occasions.
His exquisite dribbling and creativity on the ball made him a constant threat, but the Nigerian goalkeeper, Nwabali, was equal to the task, making crucial saves to keep parity in the scoreline.
As the match progressed into extra time, both teams showed signs of fatigue, yet neither could find the breakthrough they needed.
With the score deadlocked at 0-0, the tie was ultimately decided by a dramatic penalty shootout.
The tension in the stadium was palpable as players prepared to take their kicks, with fans holding their breath in anticipation.
After the match, Moroccan coach Walid Regragui praised his players for their determination and resilience. “We came into this game knowing the stakes.
“The support from our fans pushed us forward. We are proud to represent our country and we’ll give our all in the final,” he stated emphatically.
The victory sparked wild celebrations among the home fans, who filled the stadium with chants and flags, creating a vibrant atmosphere that reflected the passionate Moroccan spirit.
Many fans expressed their pride in the team’s performance, with one local supporter saying, “We believe in our team! This is a historic moment for Morocco. We will support them in the final and hope for victory.”
On the other hand, Nigeria’s coach, Eric Chelle, lamented the missed opportunities and the heartbreak of the penalty shootout, but insisted that his players had given their all.
“We fought hard and had our chances, but sometimes that’s how football goes. We’ll learn from this and come back stronger,” he remarked after the match.
As Morocco prepares for the final, all eyes will be on their quest for glory. They will face the winner of the other semi-final Senegal.
For the Moroccan squad, the dream of lifting the AFCON trophy in front of their home fans is now tantalisingly close, igniting hopes of a new era of success for African football’s rising stars.
The final promises to be an exhilarating showcase of talent and determination, and the entire nation will be rallying behind their heroes in what is set to be a monumental occasion.
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