Morocco beat Nigeria on penalties to reach AFCON final

Morocco defeated Nigeria 3-1 on penalties yesterday to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat. The match ended 0-0 after 120 minutes of play. Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi missed Nigeria's second and fourth penalty kicks respectively, while Morocco converted three of their spot kicks.

The Super Eagles held firm against a hostile crowd at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, with Calvin Bassey leading a disciplined defensive performance through regular and extra time. Nigeria, who had a 100% record entering the semifinal, struggled to find a breakthrough despite improved attacking play in the second half.

Morocco will face Senegal in Sunday's grand finale. Senegal reached the final after Sadio Mané scored in the 78th minute to beat Egypt 1-0 in the first semifinal, ending Mohamed Salah's quest for his first AFCON title.

The result denies fans an all-West Africa final. Nigeria's AFCON campaign ends in heartbreaking fashion despite a valiant defensive display.

SOURCE: https://guardian.ng/sport/atlas-lions-beat-super-eagles-qualify-for-afcon-final/