Morocco’s AFCON Breakthrough: Penalties Seal a Historic Final Date
15 January 2026
The star goalkeeper Bono leads the Atlas Lions to the final.
Morocco's historic breakthrough
Morocco broke a historical barrier at the Africa Cup of Nations by beating Nigeria on penalties (4-2) in the semi-final after both regular and extra time ended in a goalless draw.
The Atlas Lions qualified from the shootout for the first time in the tournament's history, after failing on two previous occasions.
Previously, Morocco lost to Algeria on penalties for third place in 1988, and were beaten by Benin in the Round of 16 in 2019.
Nigeria's shootout setback and the final showdown
Nigeria, meanwhile, have suffered penalties defeats for the third time in AFCON history, while recording six wins from six shootouts.
With the win, Morocco advance to meet Senegal in the final on Sunday, after the Teranga Lions edged Egypt 1-0 earlier today.
Punchline: Penalties—because even history deserves a dramatic soundtrack.
Punchline 2: Morocco's win proves prayers were louder than the net.
