Morocco edge Nigeria on penalties to succeed in Arica Cup of Nations closing

[ad_1] 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 attract a tense Africa Cup of Nations semi-final in Rabat on Wednesday.

Morocco, searching for their first continental title in 50 years, will face 2021 winners Senegal in Sunday’s decider in Rabat, whereas Nigeria tackle Egypt within the third-place play-off a day earlier than.

The 120 minutes earlier than the shootout had few clear-cut possibilities for both facet, however it was Morocco who created the higher alternatives, although they had been denied by some nice saves from Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

Nigeria had the most effective scoring file within the competitors coming into the semi-final, however provided little or no going ahead in a limp show.

And when Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi noticed their tame penalties saved within the shootout, they had been left to replicate on a efficiency that confirmed little ambition.

Morocco had been workmanlike and environment friendly as they've been all by means of the competitors, even when they're nonetheless to search out their greatest type.

They're on the point of a primary continental crown since 1976, however their largest problem awaits in a formidable Senegal facet who beat Egypt 1-0 due to Sadio Mane’s winner within the first semi-final in Tangier earlier on Wednesday.

The primary half hour in Rabat was devoid of goalmouth possibilities till Achraf Hakimi’s nook was headed into the trail of Ayoub El Kaabi 5 yards from purpose.

However he was caught in two minds whether or not to show and shoot or strive an overhead kick, and ultimately did neither as the prospect was misplaced.

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Morocco possibilities Morocco's Ismael Saibari confirmed wonderful talent to work a taking pictures probability however Nwabali was equal to his effort.

He was by far the busier keeper within the recreation, however Morocco had been principally lowered to long-range efforts that proved comfy sufficient to avoid wasting.

Nigeria had few alternatives and when talisman Victor Osimhen did obtain a cross within the field, his contact was poor and the uncommon probability was misplaced.

Nayef Aguerd’s header from a nook hit the surface of the publish because the hosts went shut, however penalties appeared inevitable properly earlier than the 120 minutes had been up.