Hosts Morocco Set Up AFCON Final Clash Against Senegal
Morocco defeated Nigeria 4-2 on penalties after a tight semi-final in Rabat ended 0-0 following extra time. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was the hero, saving two crucial penalties to give Morocco the edge
By : Mweru Mbugua
Morocco will face Sadio Mane’s Senegal in this weekend’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final after both teams triumphed in tense semi-final encounters on Wednesday. Mohamed Salah’s hopes of lifting the continental trophy were once again dashed
Morocco defeated Nigeria 4-2 on penalties after a tight semi-final in Rabat ended 0-0 following extra time. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was the hero, saving two crucial penalties to give Morocco the edge
Bounou, who plays for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal, denied shots from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, allowing Youssef En-Nesyri to convert the winning penalty and spark wild celebrations among over 65,000 fans at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium
Hamza Igamane was the only Moroccan player to miss a penalty, while captain Achraf Hakimi successfully converted his kick
Morocco coach Walid Regragui praised his team and the nation’s supporters: “It was one of the hardest matches we’ve had against a very solid and talented team
I’m very happy for the players and for the Moroccan people. It’s a great gift for them to be in the final, but we need to recover quickly because the game took a lot out of us”
Nigeria, led by recent African Player of the Year winners Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, had arguably been the tournament’s best side, scoring 14 goals in their first five matches. Nigeria coach Eric Chelle said:
“The players fought for every ball. Losing on penalties is tough, but this is football, and we have to accept it. I’m proud of my players, but disappointed for them because they may have been the best team in this AFCON”
Also read : Chelsea Pays Price for Costly Errors in Arsenal Defeat, Says Rosenior
Earlier on Wednesday, Senegal edged past Egypt 1-0 in Tangiers, with Mane scoring the decisive goal in the 78th minute. The 33-year-old, playing in his final AFCON, said: “I’m very happy to play in my last AFCON. I hope to win the final and bring the trophy back to Dakar”
Senegal, the 2022 champions, dominated possession against a cautious Egyptian side. This will be Senegal’s fourth AFCON final overall and their third in the last four tournaments. Mane added:
“The most important thing is that Senegal wins. I give my all every day, whether in training or matches. The Africa Cup of Nations is the most difficult competition in the world, and all teams are evenly matched”
The AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal is scheduled for this Saturday, promising an exciting showdown for African football fans
