Morocco, hosts of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), advanced to the final after defeating Nigeria 4-2 in a penalty shootout on January 15, 2026. The match, held in Rabat, concluded with a 0-0 score after extra time, leading to the decisive penalty kicks.
The victory sparked widespread celebrations among Moroccan fans in the capital city. "This is a dream come true," said Fatima El Amrani, a Rabat resident, as she waved a Moroccan flag. "We have waited so long to see our team reach this stage. The atmosphere here is electric."
The AFCON tournament, a biennial competition organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), features the continent's top national teams. Morocco's hosting of the event has been seen as a significant boost to the nation's infrastructure and tourism sector. The country invested heavily in upgrading stadiums and transportation networks in preparation for the tournament.
The penalty shootout saw successful conversions from Moroccan players Achraf Hakimi, Youssef En-Nesyri, Romain Saïss, and Azzedine Ounahi. Nigeria managed to score two penalties, but two crucial saves by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou secured the win.
Morocco's advancement to the final marks their first appearance in the championship match since 1976. Their opponent in the final will be determined following the outcome of the second semi-final match. The final is scheduled to take place on January 19, 2026, at the National Sports Center in Rabat. CAF officials anticipate a significant global viewership for the final, further highlighting the growing popularity of African football.
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