Morocco and Senegal have secured their places in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final following thrilling semi-final encounters. Hosts Morocco advanced for the first time since 2004, defeating Nigeria 4-2 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes in Rabat. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was the hero, saving two penalties and enabling Youssef En-Nesyri to convert the decisive spot-kick. The victory marked a historic moment for the Atlas Lions and sent the Rabat crowd into raptures. Nigeria, meanwhile, will contest the third-place play-off against Egypt in Casablanca.
In Tangier, Senegal edged Egypt 1-0, with Sadio Mané scoring the lone goal in the 78th minute. Despite the absence of captain Kalidou Koulibaly due to injury, Senegal maintained composure to secure victory. Egypt’s late efforts failed to break through goalkeeper Edouard Mendy’s resolve. Senegal now aim for their third AFCON final appearance in the last four editions. Both matches highlighted tactical discipline, intense competition, and individual brilliance, setting the stage for a highly anticipated final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat on Sunday.
