• Morocco wins against Nigeria in AFCON semi-final via penalties.
• Yassine Bounou saves two penalties, ensuring 4-2 shootout victory.
• Morocco will face Senegal in the final, aiming for their first title since 1976.

Morocco advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations final after defeating Nigeria 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a tense 0-0 draw after extra time in Rabat. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was pivotal, saving two penalties, allowing Youssef En-Nesyri to net the decisive kick for Morocco. The match was played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in front of a heavily supportive crowd, eager for their team's historic title win since 1976, as reported by Reuters and Al Jazeera.

Morocco dominated possession, displaying aggressive pressing that disrupted Nigeria's rhythm. Although Nigeria had entered the match with the best scoring record in the tournament, they struggled significantly in front of goal, managing only one shot on target during the entire match. Bounou's saves in the penalty shootout from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi were crucial in securing Morocco's victory, according to Le Monde and Africanews.

The match featured few clear chances, with Morocco having a slight edge in opportunities created, reflecting a pattern of both teams' difficulty in finding the net. As the contest progressed to penalties, Morocco’s tactical efficiency and the fervent support from the home crowd played a significant role in their performance, highlighting their readiness for the final against Senegal, who defeated Egypt 1-0 in the other semi-final. Nigeria will now compete in a third-place playoff against Egypt, as stated by AA and Al Jazeera.