Host Morocco will face Senegal on Sunday, 18 January 2026, in the final match of the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
This was after Nigeria’s Super Eagles lost 4–2 on a penalty shootout to the Atlas Lions of Morocco in Wednesday’s last semi-final clash.
The match remained goalless after 90 minutes and extra time, as both sides struggled to create clear chances. The outcome was ultimately decided from the penalty spot.
Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi missed for Nigeria, while Morocco missed one and successfully converted all other kicks, booking a place in the final.
Senegal had earlier defeated Egypt 1-0 in the first last-four match.
The AFCON semi-finals day delivered big thrills and surprises, even if not many goals. In the first match, Senegal dominated Egypt, holding 65% ball possession and securing a victory against the team featuring Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.
But it was Sadio Mané, a former Liverpool and Bayern player now at Al-Nassr, who scored the only goal that took Senegal to the final on Saturday.
The last time Egypt reached the Africa Cup of Nations final, in 2021, Senegal defeated them in the penalty shootout; four years later, Senegal eliminated them in the semi-final.
The second match of the day ended 0-0 between Morocco and Nigeria, and in the penalty shootout, Igamane missed for Morocco, while Nigeria missed two more.
In the end, Morocco won the penalty round and reached the final for the first time since 2004, but lost to Tunisia. Morocco won the Africa Cup of Nations for the last time in 1976.
The Africa Cup of Nations final will be between Senegal and Morocco on Saturday, January 18, at 20:00 CET, 19:00 GMT, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
