Morocco reach AFCON 2025 final vs Senegal with thrilling 4-2 penalty shootout win over Nigeria

Morocco beat Nigeria 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the 2025 AFCON semifinals and you lived every moment of this dramatic encounter here, on Bolavip.

Thanks for staying with us, see you next time!

Youssef En-Nesyri steps up and converts the decisive penalty, sending Morocco through to the AFCON 2025 final.

Onyemaechi fails to score Nigeria’s fourth penalty.

Hakimi calmly converts Morocco’s fourth penalty.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru calmly converts Nigeria’s third penalty.

Eliesse Ben Seghir converts Morocco’s third penalty.

Samuel Chukwueze fails to score Nigeria’s second penalty.

Hamza Igamane fails to convert Morocco’s second penalty.

Paul Onuachu steps up and calmly scores Nigeria’s first penalty.

Nayef El Aynaoui converts Morocco’s first penalty.

The second half of extra time concludes with Nigeria and Morocco still level at 0-0. The match will now be decided by a penalty shootout to determine who advances to the AFCON 2025 final.

Nigeria make an additional substitution, with Frank Onyeka coming off and Samuel Chukwueze entering the pitch.

Both teams make changes in the final stages of extra time. For Nigeria, Victor Osimhen is withdrawn and Paul Onuachu comes on to add height and presence in attack. Morocco respond by replacing Ismael Saibari with Eliesse Ben Seghir.

Morocco fail to capitalize on the potentially decisive free kick, as the set piece is well defended by Nigeria and the chance comes to nothing.

Morocco win a dangerous free kick in a promising position, offering a chance that could decide the outcome of the match. All eyes are on Achraf Hakimi to deliver a quality set piece.

Both sides show caution in the closing stages of extra time, with tension high and teams playing conservatively. Possession is careful, risks are minimal, and it is clear that both Nigeria and Morocco are already considering the possibility of a penalty shootout.

Morocco make a change as Brahim Díaz comes off and Ilias Akhomach enters, injecting fresh energy and creativity as they continue to search for a breakthrough in extra time.

The second half of extra time begins as Nigeria and Morocco return to the pitch, with both sides pushing for a decisive goal to secure a place in the AFCON 2025 final.

The first half of extra time comes to a close with Nigeria and Morocco still locked at 0-0.

The referee signals one additional minute to be played at the end of the first half of extra time, giving both Nigeria and Morocco a final chance to make an impact before the break.

Following a free kick from Nigeria that comes to nothing, Morocco make a change, with Abde Ezzalzouli coming off and Youssef En-Nesyri entering to add fresh attacking options in extra time.

Nigeria win the first corner of extra time, but the delivery is easily cleared by Morocco’s defense and does not lead to a clear chance. Shortly after, Nigeria make a substitution, with Akor Adams coming off and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru entering to add fresh legs in attack.

Morocco create another chance as Hamza Igamane wins the ball near Nigeria’s box. He dribbles between two defenders with a clever individual effort and takes a shot, but it lacks precision and fails to test Stanley Nwabali.

Morocco win the first corner of extra time, taken by Achraf Hakimi to the far post. Nayef Aguerd rises to meet it with a powerful header, but the ball crashes off the post, narrowly missing what would have been a decisive goal.

The first half of extra time gets underway as Nigeria and Morocco return to the pitch, with both sides searching for a breakthrough to decide who will advance to the AFCON 2025 final.

The referee blows the final whistle for full time, with Nigeria and Morocco still deadlocked at 0-0. The match will now proceed to extra time, where both sides will look to find a decisive breakthrough to reach the AFCON 2025 final.

Morocco increase the pressure late in the match, while Nigeria retreat into a compact defensive shape, seemingly content to take the game to extra time. Any single moment could decide the semifinal, and Nigeria still have five substitutions available should the match go into extra time, with only one three minutes of added time indicated.

If the match remains level at full time, it will be decided by extra time, with play extending to 120 minutes. Should the score still be tied after extra time, the finalist will be determined by a penalty shootout.

Morocco respond with two changes as Bilal El Khannouss makes way for Hamza Igamane, while Ayoub El Kaabi is replaced by Oussama Targhalline, adding fresh legs as the match enters a decisive stretch.

Nigeria make a substitution as Raphael Onyedika is withdrawn and Moses Simon comes on, with the Super Eagles looking to add more pace and creativity going forward.

A foul by Raphael Onyedika on Ismael Saibari gives Morocco a free kick in a dangerous position. Achraf Hakimi takes it and Morocco once again try a rehearsed set play, but Nigeria defend it well and the chance comes to nothing.

Nigeria are shown another yellow card as Raphael Onyedika is booked for a foul on Achraf Hakimi, who was breaking forward with a clear path toward goal.

Morocco earn a corner following a dangerous cross from Abde Ezzalzouli. Achraf Hakimi takes the set piece, but Nigeria clear their lines and the opportunity comes to nothing.

Imprecision continues from both sides, with neither Nigeria nor Morocco able to find sustained clarity in the final third. Based on how the match is unfolding, extra time is starting to feel likely to decide the finalist, with penalties waiting if the deadlock remains after 120 minutes.

Morocco fashion a clear scoring opportunity as Ayoub El Kaabi is played through on goal, but the move ends with a collision involving Uche Oghenumba and Stanley Nwabali. Both players recover quickly, and play continues without further interruption.

Play is briefly stopped after Victor Osimhen commits a foul on Noussair Mazraoui, who jumps over the Nigerian forward and lands awkwardly. Mazraoui quickly recovers, and the match is resumed without further issues.

Morocco begin to impose themselves by dominating possession and dictating the tempo of the match, looking to assert their style and control the rhythm as the second half develops.

Morocco win a corner after a shot from Ismael Saibari, with Achraf Hakimi stepping up to take the set piece. However, Nigeria deal with the delivery and the situation comes to nothing.

Nigeria create a strong opportunity down the left flank, where a cross into the box is partially cleared by the defense. The rebound falls to Onyedika, who strikes first time, but his effort flies well over the crossbar.

The opening minutes of the second half feature two quick fouls, one from each side, setting the tone for a more intense and physical period.

The action resumes for the second half as Nigeria and Morocco are back on the pitch, with both sides looking to raise the tempo and find the breakthrough in this AFCON 2025 semifinal.

The first half comes to an end with Nigeria and Morocco locked at 0-0 after a tense, tightly contested opening 45 minutes, marked by strong midfield pressure and limited clear-cut chances at both ends.

Nigeria try to make the most of their spells of possession in the closing minutes of the first half, looking to break the deadlock. However, they struggle to find real depth or create clear chances, in a match that remains extremely tight and evenly contested.

Morocco send another warning after a brilliant attacking move that ends with Ismael Saibari producing an excellent piece of individual skill. The midfielder dances past the defense with quick footwork and unleashes a powerful shot, but Stanley Nwabali reacts sharply to make the save and keep Nigeria level.

Play is briefly stopped as Abde Ezzalzouli receives medical attention, but the winger is able to continue. The match is resumed with Ezzalzouli back on the field and both sides returning to full strength.

Nigeria receive the first booking of the match as Calvin Bassey is shown a yellow card for a foul on Brahim Díaz right on the edge of the box. It is bad news for Nigeria, as Bassey will miss the next match due to card accumulation. The ensuing set piece is taken by Achraf Hakimi and flashes dangerously across goal, serving as a warning from Morocco.

Morocco look uncomfortable as Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman apply intense pressure on the back line for the first time in the match. Nigeria win the ball high up the pitch, but they are unable to fully capitalize, failing to develop the attack with real clarity.

Morocco win a corner taken by Achraf Hakimi, with the ball dropping loose in the middle of the box, but El Kaabi cannot get a clean touch. The play is recycled back to Hakimi, who delivers another cross, and Brahim Díaz meets it with a powerful header that sails well wide of the goal.

Possession is relatively balanced, with Nigeria holding 44 percent and Morocco controlling 56 percent, but the match has been marked by constant imprecision from both sides. Much of that has been forced by relentless pressure in midfield, where neither team have been allowed time or space to settle on the ball.

A foul on Brahim Díaz gives Morocco a dangerous free kick on the right flank. Achraf Hakimi takes it short as part of a set play, leading to a cross into the box that Abde Ezzalzouli manages to head, but the effort drifts wide of the target.

Morocco earn the first corner of the match, taken by Achraf Hakimi, but Nigeria deal with the delivery without major trouble and the set piece does not lead to a clear chance.

After a spell of heavy imprecision from both sides, Nigeria manage to push past Morocco’s midfield and work the ball into Ademola Lookman. The forward brings it under control and fires a quick shot, but Yassine Bounou reacts well to make the save and keep the score level.

Morocco nearly open the scoring after a well-worked collective move down the right flank. The ball is worked inside to Brahim Díaz, who cuts in and fires a low, driven shot across goal that whistles just wide of the post. Brahim has scored in all five matches at AFCON 2025, registering five goals in five games.

Nigeria commit an error playing out from the back, with Semi Ajayi losing possession for the second time early on. Ismael Saibari pounces on the mistake and gets a shot away, but the effort is quickly intercepted by the defense. Nigeria are clearly feeling the absence of Wilfred Ndidi, who is unavailable after picking up his second yellow card in the 2-0 win over Cameroon in the quarterfinals, and it remains to be seen how much his absence will impact the midfield balance.

Nigeria and Morocco are officially underway in this AFCON 2025 semifinal, as the opening whistle gets the action started with both sides battling for a place in the final.

Nigeria and Morocco are now on the field for the official pre-match protocol, lining up for the traditional greetings ahead of kickoff.

Nigeria and Morocco have faced each other 11 times in international competition. Nigeria have recorded four wins, while Morocco have claimed five victories, with one draw between them.

Today’s match will be played at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. The venue was completely rebuilt and reopened in September 2025, officially becoming Morocco’s national arena and one of the most modern stadiums on the continent, with a capacity of around 68,500 to 68,700 spectators.

The stadium sits approximately seven kilometers south of Rabat, Morocco’s capital city, in an area known for its organization and modern infrastructure. Its strategic location makes it a central stage for major international events.

Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium already hosted the opening match of AFCON 2025 and is also set to stage the tournament’s final, further cementing its status as the centerpiece of the competition.

Nigeria confirmed lineup: Stanley Nwabali; Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey; Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika; Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen.

Here's Morocco's confirmed starting XI: Yassine Bounou; Noussair Mazraoui, Achraf Hakimi, Nayef Aguerd, Adam Masina; Neil El Aynaoui, Bilal El Khannouss, Ismael Saibari; Ayoub El Kaabi, Brahim Díaz, Abde Ezzalzouli.

• Referee: Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea (Ghana)
• Assistant referees: Zakhele Thusi (South Africa), Granville Siwela (South Africa), Souru Phatsoane (Lesotho).
• Third assistant referee: Arsénio Chadreque Maringule (Mozambique)
• Fourth official: Samuel Uwikunda (Rwanda)
• Video Assistant Referee (VAR): Abongile Tom (South Africa)
• Assistant VARs: Haythem Guirat (Tunisia), Stephen Onyango Yiembe (Kenya).
• Referee assessor: Lidya Tafesse Abebe (Ethiopia)

Nigeria vs Morocco will get underway at 3:00 PM ET (PT:12:00 PM)

Watch this AFCON 2025 semifinal match between Nigeria and Morocco live in the USA on Fubo, Fanatiz USA, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español and beIN SPORTS Connect.

Welcome to our live blog of the AFCON 2025 semifinals. Nigeria face Morocco today with a place in the final at stake, as two of the tournament’s most in-form sides go head-to-head. Nigeria arrive with a perfect record, while Morocco look to take advantage of home support.

Stay with us for key information and minute-by-minute updates as Nigeria and Morocco clash for a spot in the AFCON 2025 final.