Morocco and Senegal in an unprecedented final of the Africa Cup of Nations

In an electric atmosphere in Rabat, Morocco took a historic step this Wednesday by qualifying for the final of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations after a heroic 4-2 penalty shootout victory against Nigeria, following a 0-0 draw after 120 minutes of high tension.

The hero of the evening, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, once again proved his world-class status by saving attempts from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, before Youssef En-Nesyri unleashed the jubilation of an entire nation by scoring the decisive penalty.

Despite territorial dominance and several clear-cut chances for the Atlas Lions, notably through Ismaël Saibari and Ayoub el-Kaabi from a precise pass by Achraf Hakimi, Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made several impressive reflex saves, a stark contrast to the Super Eagles’ particularly disappointing and lackluster attacking performance.

This qualification places Morocco, the host nation, in the spotlight of its greatest destiny: to win its first continental title since 1976, exactly fifty years after their only previous title.

To achieve this, they will have to overcome the ultimate challenge on Sunday in Rabat against a formidable Senegalese team, crowned champions in 2021, who reached the final by defeating Egypt (1-0) thanks to a goal from Sadio Mané earlier in the day in Tangier.

While Nigeria will have to settle for playing the third-place match against Egypt tomorrow, Morocco is preparing for an epic final, counting on the resilience and focus of a squad that, although still searching for its best form, seems imbued with a collective strength capable of ending a half-century wait.