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Morocco's Final Chance Hangs on a Thread: Cards, Caution, and a Nigeria Clash

12 January 2026

Morocco's Final Chance Hangs on a Thread: Cards, Caution, and a Nigeria Clash
Morocco eyes a final berth as Nigeria stands in the way

Semifinal Showdown: Morocco vs Nigeria

Morocco are braced for a semifinal clash with Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations, set for Wednesday, aiming to reach the final and inch closer to the title.

Three Moroccan players will tread carefully; if any picks up a yellow card, they will miss the next match, potentially the final, if Morocco progress past Nigeria.

Yellow cards from the group stage were wiped, but in knockout rounds the discipline count has already seen three Moroccans booked.

Ismail Saibari was booked against Tanzania in the round of 16, while Sofiane Rahimi and Bilal Khannous were cautioned against Cameroon in the quarterfinals.

The other semifinal pits Egypt against Senegal, with the winners meeting in the final on Sunday.

Punchline 1: Morocco’s plan is so clean it could disinfect the ball.

Punchline 2: If cards decide this match, the referee will need a bigger desk.

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Michael Whooosh

I am Michael Whooosh, an English sports journalist born in 1986. Passionate about surfing, poetry, and beekeeping, I share my human and sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Morocco facing in the AFCON semifinal?

Morocco face Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations semifinal.

Why are cautions significant for Morocco?

A yellow card could rule a player out of the final if Morocco advance.

What about yellow cards in the knockout rounds?

Knockout rounds restart the card count, and three Moroccans have already been booked.

When is the final?

If Morocco reach the final, it would be played on Sunday.