Morocco and Senegal Set for Epic AFCON Final Clash After Dramatic Semifinal Wins
Short Summary
Host nation Morocco advanced to the AFCON final with a tense 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Nigeria after a goalless draw, thanks to Youssef En-Nesyri's decisive spot-kick and goalkeeper Yassine "Bono" Bounou's heroic double save on Samuel Chukwueze. In the other semifinal, Sadio Mané's stunning 78th-minute strike secured Senegal's 1-0 win over Egypt, once again denying Mohamed Salah an African title. Jubilant celebrations erupted in streets across Morocco and Senegal as the 2021 champions prepare to face the hosts in Sunday's final at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Long Summary
Morocco and Senegal will contest the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat on Sunday after thrilling semifinal victories that sparked nationwide celebrations in both countries.
In Wednesday's first semifinal at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, hosts Morocco edged Nigeria 4-2 on penalties following a hard-fought 0-0 draw in front of 65,458 fans. The match went to spot-kicks after 120 minutes of cautious, defensive play. Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saved one penalty, but Morocco's Yassine "Bono" Bounou stole the show with two crucial stops against Samuel Chukwueze—denying him both in regulation if needed and decisively in the shootout. Forward Youssef En-Nesyri calmly slotted the winning penalty to send the Atlas Lions through.
The second semifinal saw Senegal defeat Egypt 1-0, with Sadio Mané proving the difference once more against his former Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah. Mané unleashed a powerful long-range effort in the 78th minute, firing into the bottom corner after Lamine Camara's initial shot was blocked. The goal dashed Egypt's hopes, marking another AFCON heartbreak for Salah—whose team lost the 2021 final to Senegal on penalties, where Mané scored the decisive kick for the Teranga Lions' maiden title.
Ecstatic crowds poured into streets in cities across Morocco and Senegal, waving flags and honking horns in joyous scenes that continued late into the night. The final pits the tournament hosts against the defending champions in what promises to be a high-stakes North-West African derby, with Morocco seeking their first AFCON crown since 1976 and Senegal aiming to retain the trophy they won in 2021.