Morocco to Face Senegal in AFCON Final After Dramatic Semi-Final Victories

Posted : 15 January 2026

Hosts Morocco will take on Senegal in this weekend’s Africa Cup of Nations final after both sides secured hard-fought victories in Wednesday’s semi-final matches. While Morocco edged past Nigeria on penalties in Rabat, Senegal overcame Egypt in Tangiers to end Mohamed Salah’s hopes of lifting the continental trophy once again.

In the Moroccan capital, the Atlas Lions defeated Nigeria 4–2 in a penalty shootout after a tense semi-final ended goalless following extra time. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero, producing two crucial saves during the shootout to steer the hosts into the final. His interventions denied Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, before Youssef En-Nesyri calmly converted the decisive kick in front of a crowd of more than 65,000 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

There was also relief for Hamza Igamane, whose earlier penalty had been saved by Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali, making him the only Moroccan player to miss. However, captain Achraf Hakimi and the rest of the Moroccan takers showed composure from the spot, keeping alive hopes of delivering the country’s first AFCON title in nearly 50 years.

Morocco coach Walid Regragui described the contest as one of the toughest his team has faced, praising Nigeria’s quality and resilience. He expressed pride in his players and the home supporters, while acknowledging the physical and emotional toll of the match ahead of the final.

For Nigeria, the defeat was a painful end to a strong tournament campaign. Led by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, the Super Eagles had impressed throughout the competition and entered the semi-finals as top scorers. Head coach Eric Chelle said his players gave everything and admitted the penalty shootout loss was difficult to accept, adding that Nigeria may have been the standout team of the tournament.

Earlier in the day, Senegal booked their place in the final with a narrow 1–0 victory over Egypt. Sadio Mane scored the decisive goal in the 78th minute, firing a low shot past the goalkeeper to settle the contest. Senegal largely controlled possession against a cautious Egyptian side, denying Salah another chance at AFCON glory.

After the match, Mane revealed the tournament would be his last Africa Cup of Nations, expressing hope of finishing his international AFCON journey by lifting the trophy. The 33-year-old emphasized his commitment to the national team and described the competition as the toughest in world football due to the evenly matched nature of the teams.

The final appearance will be Senegal’s fourth overall and their third in the last four editions, as the 2022 champions look to defend their crown. Morocco, meanwhile, will aim to capitalize on home support as they seek a long-awaited continental triumph against one of Africa’s most consistent sides.

Morocco to Face Senegal in AFCON Final After Dramatic Semi-Final Victories

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