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Join on Telegram Rabat – International media outlets hailed Morocco’s resilience, nerves, and goalkeeper heroics after the Atlas Lions edged past Nigeria on penalties to reach the Africa Cup of Nations final on Wednesday night.
Morocco booked their place in the tournament final after a tense 0-0 draw and a 4-2 penalty shootout win over Nigeria in Rabat. Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, the Atlas Lions struggled to break down a well-organized Nigerian side but held their nerve when it mattered most.
French daily L’Équipe described the night as one full of fear and relief for the hosts, writing that “Morocco scared themselves and were not far from disaster.” The paper added that the match “will not be remembered for the quality of play,” but stressed that what mattered was the result and the chance to win the title at home.
The game produced very few clear chances despite Morocco’s numerous shots on target. The Atlas Lions had more possession, but Nigeria defended deep and limited space. BBC Sport noted that “in a game of few chances, a shootout looked a likely outcome from early in proceedings.”
Morocco’s top scorer Brahim Diaz had the best chances but failed to convert, while Nigeria’s star attackers Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman were largely kept quiet, BBC Sport added.
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After 120 minutes without a goal, penalties decided the semifinal. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero, saving two spot-kicks. Spain’s AS summed it up simply, saying “they suffered, but they won. Bono was the hero.”
Brazil’s Globo Esporte also highlighted Bounou’s impact, saying he “shined with two saves,” before Youssef En-Nesyri scored the winning penalty to send Morocco into the final. The outlet pointed out that Morocco controlled territory during the match but lacked sharpness in front of goal.
According to ESPN, the victory keeps alive Morocco’s dream of winning their first AFCON title since 1976. The network wrote that the win sent the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium “into jubilant celebration,” as the hosts moved one step closer to history.
Pan-Africa Football described the match as a “tactical battle” and commended Nigeria’s defensive effort, particularly Calvin Bassey, who “locked things down” at the back, even if it was not enough to stop Morocco’s progress.
Morocco will now face Senegal in Sunday’s final in Rabat, where the Atlas Lions will be hoping to turn home advantage into a long-awaited continental triumph.
