Morocco 0 Nigeria 0 (4-2 pens) – Bassey heroics in vain, Bounou saves hosts
Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou makes a crucial penalty save against Nigeria Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou makes a crucial penalty save against Nigeria
“In a fervent atmosphere in Rabat, Morocco held their nerve in a penalty shootout to reach the AFCON final at the expense of a courageous Nigeria. The host nation now has the chance to win the trophy for the first time in 50 years when they face Senegal in the final on Sunday. The saves of Yassine Bounou were the difference in the shootout and a packed stadium was sent into raptures when Youssef En-Nesyri scored the decisive penalty. This was a game short on clear chances. Morocco had more of the ball, and built more sustained pressure, but rarely put Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali under pressure. An early shot from Brahim Diaz and a decent chance for Abde Ezzalzouli were as good as it got in the first half. The second was, if anything, even more closely contested and it was little surprise when it went to extra time. With both sides tiring, the game got more stretched, mistakes proliferated, but clear chances remained at a premium. Penalties awaited. Carl Anka and Mark Carey analyse the key talking points of this dramatic semi-final. …”
NY Times/The Athletic
BBC – Morocco win 4-2 on pens
YouTube: NIGERIA vs MOROCCO – Penalty Shootout | SEMI FINAL