By Business Insider Reporter
More than a decade of waiting, heavy investment and near misses came into sharp focus on a tense night in Rabat as hosts Morocco edged Nigeria 4–2 on penalties to reach the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, keeping alive their burning ambition to finally reclaim continental glory.
When Youssef En-Nesyri calmly rolled the winning penalty into the bottom-left corner, following crucial saves by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, the roar inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium spoke of more than just qualification. It was the sound of a nation desperate to end a trophy drought stretching back to 1976.
This was not a vintage attacking display, but it was a performance steeped in resolve. From the opening whistle, Morocco played with the weight of history on their shoulders – disciplined, patient and unwilling to blink.
In a semi-final short on clear chances, the Atlas Lions showed they were prepared to suffer, wait and fight for every inch in pursuit of a long-awaited title.
Walid Regragui’s side, now unbeaten in 26 matches, dominated territory and possession, even if opportunities were scarce. Tournament top scorer Brahim Diaz came closest in the first half, misjudging a header from Achraf Hakimi’s cross before curling another effort wide. Nigeria, boasting the attacking threat of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, were largely starved of service as Morocco’s structure squeezed space and dictated the tempo.
As the match wore on, the determination of the hosts became clearer. Morocco pressed, recycled possession and pinned Nigeria back, yet refused to abandon their shape.
Appeals for a penalty after Hakimi’s shot struck Calvin Bassey were waved away, but the Atlas Lions did not lose focus. Extra time followed the same pattern: control without reward, belief without panic.
That belief has been years in the making. Since their last AFCON final appearance in 2004 – a defeat to Tunisia – Morocco have invested heavily in football infrastructure, youth development and elite coaching. Under King Mohammed VI, the sport has been positioned as a symbol of national pride and progress.
The historic run to the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar in 2022 confirmed Morocco’s arrival on the global stage; lifting the AFCON trophy has remained the missing piece.
The penalty shootout became the ultimate test of nerve and desire. Despite an early miss by Hamza Igamane, Morocco held their composure. Bounou, Africa’s best goalkeeper, produced decisive saves from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, embodying the calm authority that has defined this Moroccan side throughout the tournament.
Nigeria, who withdrew captain Osimhen before the shootout, were left heartbroken, while Morocco’s players embraced, fully aware of how close they now are to rewriting history.
Sunday’s final in Rabat against Senegal, who defeated Egypt 1–0 in the first semi-final, represents more than a chance at silverware. For Morocco, it is an opportunity to crown more than ten years of planning, investment and belief with the one prize that has continued to elude them. On home soil, backed by a nation that has waited nearly half a century, the Atlas Lions are no longer just hosting AFCON. They are chasing destiny – and they look determined not to let it slip again.
