By Oni Ladonette Ondesa
Journalist kick442.com – Cameroon
The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium became a graveyard for Nigerian ambitions as Morocco edged the Super Eagles 4-2 on penalties to reach their first AFCON final since 2004.
After 120 minutes of a tactical stalemate that bordered on a war of attrition, Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero in Rabat, denying both Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi in the shootout to send the host nation into raptures.
The contest was a cagey affair from the first whistle, defined by Morocco’s territorial dominance and Nigeria’s stubborn defensive block. The Super Eagles’ rearguard, led by the physical Calvin Bassey,who picked up a first-half booking for a crunching challenge on Brahim Díaz, kept the Atlas Lions at bay.
Stanley Nwabali proved vital in regulation time, producing a brilliant reflex save to deny Ismael Saibari’s low drive in the 40th minute and later thwarting Abde Ezzalzouli as the hosts cranked up the pressure.
Nigeria’s threat remained largely theoretical as Victor Osimhen cut an isolated figure against Nayef Aguerd and Romain Saïss. The Super Eagles’ best opening fell to Ademola Lookman in the 14th minute, but his well-struck effort was expertly parried by Bounou.
As the game drifted into extra time, fatigue took its toll, leading to a flurry of tactical fouls and substitutions. Nigeria introduced Paul Onuachu and Samuel Chukwueze in the dying embers specifically for the looming shootout, but the gamble failed to yield the desired dividends.
The shootout provided a rollercoaster of emotions. After Neil El Aynaoui converted the opener, Nwabali briefly silenced the home crowd by saving Hamza Igamane’s effort.
However, Bounou reclaimed the spotlight, guessing correctly to rebuff Chukwueze’s low strike and Onyemaechi’s subsequent effort.
Youssef En-Nesyri stepped up for the decisive fifth kick, coolly slotting his left-footed shot into the bottom corner to condemn Nigeria to their eighth defeat in 16 semi-final appearances.
Morocco now advance to a mouth-watering final against Senegal this Sunday in Rabat, chasing only their second-ever continental title.
For the Super Eagles, a demoralizing exit leads to a third-place play-off against Egypt on Saturday.
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