Morocco, Senegal to Face Off in AFCON Final

Yassine Bounou saved ‍two penalties, and Youssef En-Nesyri netted the decisive spot kick as hosts Morocco secured a 4-2 shootout victory over Nigeria following their 0-0 draw in a tense Africa Cup of Nations semifinal in Rabat.

Morocco, seeking their first continental title in 50 ⁠years, will face 2021 winners Senegal in Sunday’s decider in Rabat, while Nigeria take on Egypt in ​the third-place playoff a day before.

The 120 minutes before the shootout on Wednesday had few ‍clear-cut chances for either side, but it was Morocco who created the greater opportunities, though they were denied by some fine saves from Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

Nigeria had the best scoring record in the competition coming into the semifinal, ‍but offered very ⁠little going forward in a limp display.

And when Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi saw their tame penalties saved in the shootout, they were left to reflect on a performance that showed little ambition.

Morocco were workmanlike and efficient as they have been all through the competition, even if they are still to find their best form.

They are on the brink of a first continental crown since 1976, but their biggest challenge awaits in an impressive ​Senegal side who beat Egypt 1-0 thanks to Sadio Mane’s winner in ‌the first semifinal in Tangier earlier on Wednesday.

The two-time African Footballer of the Year broke the deadlock in the 78th minute on Wednesday when he let fly from just outside the penalty area inside the bottom left corner after Lamine Camara’s initial effort was blocked.

It sparked joy and relief among the Teranga Lions’ fans in Tangier, where the 2021 champions – after beating Egypt in the final – had taken the initiative but struggled to create clear chances against the Pharaohs’ stubborn defence.

Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly will miss the title match – against either host Morocco or Nigeria, who are playing in Rabat later on Wednesday – after picking up a yellow card that meant a suspension and then going off injured in the 23rd minute.

- News Agencies, Al Jazeera