\ud83c\udfc1 CLOSING REMARKS \u2013 SEMI-FINAL NIGHT IN RABAT<\/p>\n
What a night of African football in Rabat. After 120 minutes of grit, discipline and tactical chess that ended goalless, Morocco held their nerve to edge Nigeria in a dramatic penalty shoot-out, sending the hosts through to the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.<\/p>\n
It was a contest defined by fine margins, mental strength and goalkeeping heroics, with the home crowd playing its part as the Atlas Lions once again proved impossible to break down. Nigeria depart with heads held high after another powerful showing, but it is Morocco who take the final step.<\/p>\n
The result sets up a mouth-watering AFCON final: Morocco vs Senegal \u2014 a clash between the hosts chasing a historic second title and a Senegalese side determined to reclaim continental supremacy after their semi-final victory over Egypt earlier in the day.<\/p>\n
This tournament continues to deliver top-class, nail-biting football, where every match keeps fans on the edge of their seats and every moment feels decisive.<\/p>\n
Thank you for staying with us for this thrilling semi-final night. Join us again for full coverage of the AFCON 2025 final, where African football\u2019s biggest prize will be decided under the Moroccan lights.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udd1a MATCH SUMMARY<\/p>\n
Morocco 0\u20130 Nigeria (AET)
Morocco win 4-2 on penalties<\/p>\n
The hosts march on to the final, carried by belief, discipline and the roar of Rabat. Nigeria bow out after a courageous campaign, undone by fine margins on the biggest stage.<\/p>\n
Stay with us for post-match reaction and full build-up to Sunday\u2019s final.<\/p>\n
\ud83c\udfc1 PENALTY SHOOT-OUT ENDS<\/p>\n
Morocco win the shoot-out and qualify for the AFCON 2025 FINAL<\/p>\n
Bounou emerges as the hero once again as Morocco hold their nerve, while Nigeria are left heartbroken after a shoot-out filled with drama and missed chances.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udd58 22:40 GMT \u2013 PENALTY SHOOT-OUT BEGINS<\/p>\n
Morocco win the toss and elect to shoot first, with the Rabat crowd in full voice.<\/p>\n
\u26bd PENALTY SHOOT-OUT \u2013 SEMI-FINAL DECIDER\n<\/p>\n
Morocco vs Nigeria | Rabat<\/p>\n
After 120 minutes of goalless football, the semi-final is decided from the penalty spot. Nerves, pressure and history collide.<\/p>\n
\u26bd PENALTY SHOOT-OUT TO FOLLOW\n<\/p>\n
A place in the AFCON 2025 final will be decided from the spot. \ud83d\udd58 22:33 GMT\u00a0\u23f9\ufe0f END OF EXTRA TIME (120\u2019)\n<\/p>\n Morocco 0\u20130 Nigeria (AET)<\/p>\n After 120 minutes of gripping semi-final football, the deadlock remains unbroken. \ud83d\udd58 22:30 GMT\n<\/p>\n Nigeria make a late push, driving forward with intent, but Morocco\u2019s defensive organisation holds firm. Tension is palpable inside the stadium.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd58 22:25 GMT<\/p>\n The game stretches slightly now. Spaces are opening up, but decision-making in the final third remains cautious, with neither side willing to risk everything.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd58 22:17 GMT \u2013 EXTRA TIME RESUMES\n<\/p>\n The second period of extra time begins. Morocco increase the tempo, sensing an opportunity to strike before penalties loom.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd52 EXTRA TIME \u2013 SECOND HALF<\/p>\n \u23f8\ufe0f END OF EXTRA TIME \u2013 FIRST HALF (105\u2019)\n<\/p>\n Still no breakthrough. The teams head into the short interval with everything to play for in the final 15 minutes.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd58 22:10 GMT\n<\/p>\n Nigeria enjoy a brief spell of pressure, winning a corner, but Morocco clear their lines well. Goalkeepers at both ends remain largely untested.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd58 22:03 GMT\n<\/p>\n Early signs of fatigue are visible on both sides. Morocco circulate possession patiently, while Nigeria sit compact, ready to spring forward on transitions.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd58 21:58 GMT \u2013 EXTRA TIME KICKS OFF\n<\/p>\n The first period of extra time is underway. Morocco restart, urged on by a passionate Rabat crowd, while Nigeria look composed, conserving energy and structure.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd52 EXTRA TIME \u2013 FIRST HALF\n<\/p>\n \u23f1\ufe0f FULL-TIME (90\u2019) \u2013 END OF REGULATION TIME<\/p>\n Morocco 0\u20130 Nigeria<\/p>\n The referee blows for full time in Rabat and after 90 tense, tactical and absorbing minutes, nothing separates hosts Morocco and Nigeria. We are heading into extra time to decide who books a place in Sunday\u2019s AFCON final.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd58 21:52\n<\/p>\n Final minutes of regulation time. Both benches are animated, urging their players on. Fatigue begins to show, but the intensity remains high as neither side is willing to concede ground.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd57 21:50<\/p>\n The tension inside the stadium is palpable as we enter the final stages. Morocco push numbers forward, while Nigeria continue to look dangerous whenever space opens up on the counter.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd57 21:40\n<\/p>\n Morocco press relentlessly, winning another set piece in a promising area. Nigeria remain resilient, showing the defensive solidity that has carried them through the tournament.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd57 21:30\n<\/p>\n The match becomes more physical as both teams battle intensely in midfield. Fouls disrupt the rhythm, underlining the high stakes of this semi-final with a place in the final on the line.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd57 21:20\n<\/p>\n Morocco with a dangerous transition. Diaz drives forward, forcing Nigeria’s defence into a hurried clearance. The Atlas Lions are beginning to sense moments where they can hurt the Super Eagles<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd57 21:10\n<\/p>\n Morocco increase the pressure, moving the ball quicker and stretching Nigeria\u2019s defensive block. Brahim D\u00edaz looks lively between the lines, while Nigeria wait patiently for counter-attacking opportunities.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd04 SECOND HALF\n<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd57 21:03 \u2013 SECOND HALF UNDERWAY<\/p>\n The second half gets underway with no changes from either side. Morocco restart, once again pushing forward with intent as Nigeria stay compact and alert.<\/p>\n \u23f8\ufe0f 20:50 \u2013 HALF-TIME\n<\/p>\n Half-time in Rabat with the semi-final finely balanced. Morocco have dominated possession, while Nigeria have shown threat on the break. Everything remains open as the teams head into the dressing rooms.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd56 20:45\n<\/p>\n A tense end to the first half approaches. Morocco press higher, urged on by the crowd, but Nigeria\u2019s back line holds its nerve. Chances remain limited as both sides prioritise control over risk.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd56 20:40\n<\/p>\n Nigeria grow into the contest. Lookman finds pockets of space between the lines, while Alex Iwobi begins to influence proceedings in midfield. Morocco keeper Yassine Bounou remains largely untroubled so far.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd56 20:30\n<\/p>\n The tempo rises. Morocco continue to probe, winning a series of set pieces, an area where they have been particularly effective throughout the tournament. Nigeria remain calm, organised and patient in their defensive shape.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd56 20:25\n<\/p>\n Nigeria register the first meaningful moment of the match as Osimhen battles strongly in the box, but Morocco\u2019s defence stands firm. The Atlas Lions respond with a swift move down the right through Achraf Hakimi, forcing Nigeria to retreat.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd56 20:20\n<\/p>\n Morocco are dominating the exchanges at this stage but the Nigerian defence is well organised to thwart any attempts into their goal areas. The midfield is completely dominated by Morocco with the absence of Ndidi having an affect on the Super Eagles midfield.\u00a0<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd56 20:10<\/p>\n Early exchanges see Morocco enjoying more of the ball, patiently circulating possession across midfield. Nigeria are compact and disciplined, looking to absorb pressure and spring forward quickly.\u00a0<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd56 20:00 \u2013 KICK-OFF<\/p>\n We are underway in Rabat as hosts Morocco and Nigeria\u2019s Super Eagles kick off this heavyweight AFCON semi-final. The atmosphere inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium is electric, with the home crowd in full voice as both sides begin cautiously. You can follow the live play-by-play updates by clicking here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udfe2 LIVE BLOG | SEMI-FINAL\n<\/p>\n Morocco vs Nigeria \u2013 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 \ud83c\udfc1 FULL-TIME \u2013 SENEGAL 1\u20130 EGYPT\n<\/p>\n Senegal are through to the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 after edging Egypt 1\u20130 in a tense and absorbing semi-final in Tangier.<\/p>\n The decisive moment arrived through Sadio Man\u00e9, whose goal proved enough to separate two continental heavyweights in a match defined by discipline, tactical control and fine margins.<\/p>\n Egypt pushed hard for an equaliser, drawing on their trademark resilience and experience, but Senegal\u2019s organisation and composure saw them protect their slender advantage until the final whistle.<\/p>\n It is another statement performance from the reigning champions, who continue their unbeaten run at the tournament and confirm their place among Africa\u2019s elite with a fourth final appearance in recent editions.<\/p>\n For Egypt, the dream of an eighth AFCON title ends here, after a courageous campaign that included the dramatic elimination of holders C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire in the quarter-finals.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd1c Attention now turns to the second semi-final later tonight, as hosts Morocco face Nigeria in Rabat, with the final ticket to Sunday\u2019s showpiece still to be decided. Stay with us for continued live coverage.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd53 18:45 GMT\u00a0<\/p>\n The Teranga Lions are pushing for more goals as they are pressing forward for more opportunities.\u00a0<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd53 18:40 GMT – GOALLLL SENEGAL<\/p>\n Goal! Senegal 1, Egypt 0.\u00a0The deadlock has been broken with Sadio Mane putting the Teranga Lions in the lead in Tangiers. Man\u00e9 scored with right-footed shot from outside the box to the bottom left corner.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd53 18:30 GMT\u00a0<\/p>\n The match is stil balanced with b oth sides getting their opportunioties but none has been able to find the net.\u00a0<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd53 18:20 GMT\u00a0<\/p>\n The match is balanced and the Egyptians are growing more confident as they seek to behind the Senegalese defence. Still goalless.\u00a0<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd53 18:05 GMT – SECOND HALF<\/p>\n It is the start of the second half and both sides are hoping to get the breakthrough to win the match.\u00a0<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd53 17:50 GMT – HALF-TIME<\/p>\n It is half-time in Tangiers where is it goalless at half-time.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd53 17:40 GMT – KICK OFF<\/p>\n We are getting close the the half-time mark of the game with Senegal dominating the exchanges while Egypt also proving very difficult to exploit.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd53 17:30 GMT – KICK OFF<\/p>\n Senegal make another attempt at goal. Habib Diarra with a right-footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom right corner by Mohamed El Shenawy.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd53 17:20 GMT – KICK OFF<\/p>\n Injury to Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly and he has been sitting on the pitch while receiving medical attention. Mamadou Sarr replaces Kalidou Koulibaly because of the injury.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd53 17:10 GMT – KICK OFF<\/p>\n Senegal have dominated the early exchanges but no clear chance at goal after ten minutes of play.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd53 17:00 GMT – KICK OFF<\/p>\n The match is underway. Senegal gets the match underway. If you want to follow the live play-by-play click here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n KICK-OFF! \ud83c\uddf8\ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddec<\/p>\n No more waiting. Senegal vs Egypt is ON.#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/2Lx0TkT0Jx<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 14, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd53 16:50 GMT – KICK OFF<\/p>\n The match is underway. Senegal gets the match underway. If you want to follow the live play-by-play click<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Friends before football. \ud83c\uddf8\ud83c\uddf3\ud83e\udd1d\ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddec#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/DUKR2hGYJh<\/a><\/p>\n
Stay with us as drama reaches its peak in Rabat. Click here<\/a> for the play-by-play of the penalty shootout.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Neither Morocco nor Nigeria have found the decisive moment, and the match will now be settled by the ultimate test of nerve and composure\u2026<\/p>\n
Both sides have pushed, probed and defended with discipline, but clear-cut chances have been limited as the semi-final lives up to its high-stakes billing.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udccd Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
\u23f0 All times GMT<\/p>\n