AFCON 2025: Host Morocco into the finals

Nigeria inhibited by the Moroccan pressing
This semi-final between the Super Eagles and the Lions de l'Atlas smelt like pain. The first fifteen minutes confirmed it in this heavy atmosphere. All phases of Nigerian possession are accompanied by a deafening, stressed but active audience. Intensity, duels, a team from Nigeria smothered by the Moroccan pressing but no frank opportunity either side after 10 minutes of play. A strike by Ademola Lookman at the entrance of the surface, diverted by a vigilant Yassine Bono.

Morocco seems to gain the upper hand but fails to make a difference on the scoreboard. The minutes are ticking and the tension is slowly spreading to the audience at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium. The Super Eagles are gradually regaining possession. But it is indeed the locals who prove to be the most dangerous Ez Abde whose shot is diverted by an imperial Nwabali despite the vicious rebound (82nd). Overtime will be necessary to decide between the Super Eagles and the Lions of the Atlas since the score does not change at the end of regulation time.

The both sides provided meaningful actions throughout the game but the difference was far from coming. Fulltime stood at 0-0 and the laborious extra 30 minute exercise was implored. Even that too did not change the score cards.

Bono the super hero with two saves
In an irrespirable exercise, it is Morocco that has the last word after Igamane misses one of  Morocco's. Yassine Bono puts on his superhero cape to stop the attempt of Chukwueze and unacademically that of Onyemaechi. En-Nesyri does not tremble and sends Morocco to the final with the last spotkick. The host country will therefore face Senegal for an expected final on Sunday. Nigeria and Egypt will battle for the bronze medal on Saturday.