AFCON 2025: Nigeria and Morocco Locked in Stalemate, Semi-Final Heads to Penalty Shootout

In a night defined by tactical discipline and defensive heroics, the second semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) between Nigeria and host nation Morocco has ended 0-0 after 120 minutes of grueling football. The match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium will now be decided by a penalty shootout to determine who faces either Senegal or Egypt in the final.

After a cagey 90 minutes that saw both sides struggle to find a clinical edge, the intensity ramped up in extra time. The host nation came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock in the 97th minute when Nayef Aguerd met a deep cross from Achraf Hakimi, only to see his header strike the post.

Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali remained the busier of the two goalkeepers, making a series of crucial saves to deny Morocco’s Abdessamad Ezzalzouli and Hamza Igamane. At the other end, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman led several counter-attacks, but the Moroccan defense, anchored by captain Hakimi, held firm to keep the scoreline level.

As the stadium lights shine bright over Rabat, both teams have gathered in their respective huddles. For Nigeria, the pressure is on to reach its second consecutive AFCON final. For Morocco, the dream of winning a second title on home soil rests on the shoulders of their penalty takers and star goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Note: This match marks the second time these two giants have required a tie-breaker in AFCON history, following their 1984 clash where Nigeria progressed via penalties.