Host nation Morocco and defending champions Senegal secured their places in the AFCON 2025 final following Wednesday's semi-final matches in Morocco.
Senegal 1-0 Egypt*
Sadio Mane struck in the 78th minute to send Senegal through against Egypt in Tangier, denying his former Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah a continental title. The Teranga Lions controlled the match at Stade Ibn-Batouta, with Egypt managing just three shots as Salah's wait for AFCON glory continues despite scoring four goals earlier in the tournament.
The result marks the first meeting between the nations since three encounters in 2022, including Senegal's penalty shootout victory over Egypt to claim the 2021 AFCON title. Senegal will seek their second continental championship on Sunday.
Morocco 0-0 Nigeria (4-2 on penalties)
Morocco needed penalties to overcome Nigeria after 120 minutes of scoreless football in Rabat. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved attempts from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi before Youssef En-Nesyri converted the decisive kick to secure a 4-2 shootout victory. The match at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium featured few clear chances, with Nigeria managing just two shots compared to Morocco's 16. Nigeria entered as the tournament's highest scorers with 14 goals across five matches, but offered little attacking threat in a disappointing display.
Morocco's controversial decision to substitute captain Victor Osimhen two minutes before penalties backfired when replacement Samuel Chukwueze missed his spot kick. The Super Eagles, who won all five matches before the semi-final, exit after what many consider their most passive performance of the tournament.
The Final
Morocco advances to their first AFCON final since 2004, seeking their first continental title in 50 years—having last won in 1976. The Atlas Lions' unprecedented success follows their 2022 World Cup semi-final appearance, marking a golden era for Moroccan football. They face Senegal on Sunday, January 18 at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with Nigeria meeting Egypt in Saturday's third-place playoff.
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