SUPER EAGLES FALL ON PENALTIES AS MOROCCO ADVANCE TO AFCON FINAL
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero, making two crucial saves in the penalty shoot-out as hosts Morocco defeated Nigeria 4-2 to book a place in the Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal. The semi-final encounter ended goalless after extra time following a tense last-four clash on Wednesday.
Bounou denied Samuel Chukwueze and produced a brilliant stop to keep out Bruno Onyemaechi, paving the way for Youssef En-Nesyri to calmly convert the decisive penalty and ignite wild celebrations at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Amid the jubilation, there was also relief for Hamza Igamane, who had looked distraught moments earlier after seeing his effort saved by Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
He was the lone Moroccan player to miss in the shoot-out, although captain and talisman Achraf Hakimi was among those who successfully converted their penalties.
Morocco will face Senegal in Sunday’s final after the Lions of Teranga edged Mohamed Salah’s Egypt 1-0 in the other semi-final, courtesy of a goal from Sadio Mane.
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The showdown will pit the top two African teams in the FIFA world rankings against each other, setting the stage for a fitting climax to the tournament.
Walid Regragui’s Morocco have been under intense pressure to secure the country’s first AFCON title in nearly 50 years, but will head into the final confident of success with the backing of their home supporters at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
While Morocco’s dream remains alive, it was a heartbreaking end to Nigeria’s campaign, coming just two years after the Super Eagles lost the final to the host nation, Ivory Coast.
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