Morocco as Hosts Arrange AFCON Final Clash with Senegal
Morocco, the hosts, will face Sadio Manes Senegal in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations final after both teams triumphed in their tightly contested semi final matches on Wednesday, leaving Mohamed Salahs hopes of claiming the trophy unfulfilled once more.
Morocco defeated Nigeria 4 2 in a penalty shoot out following a goalless semi final draw after extra time in the capital Rabat, where goalkeeper Yassine Bounou starred by making two crucial saves during the penalties.
Bounou, who plays for Saudi club Al Hilal, stopped shots from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, paving the way for Youssef En Nesyri to score the decisive penalty and ignite ecstatic celebrations among more than 65 000 supporters at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Besides the elation, there was also relief for Hamza Igamane, who seemed upset after his penalty, Moroccos second in the shoot out, was blocked by Nigerias goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
He remained the sole Moroccan to miss in the shoot out, while captain and star player Achraf Hakimi was among those who successfully converted theirs.
It was one of the toughest games we faced against a highly organised and skilled side, commented Morocco coach Walid Regragui, who was part of the previous Atlas Lions squad to reach the AFCON final, losing to Tunisia in 2004.
I am delighted for the players and the Moroccan fans, who truly merit this achievement.
It is a wonderful present for them to reach the final, yet we must recuperate swiftly since we expended considerable effort in that match.
The penalty drama followed a cautious affair, with nearly all significant opportunities arising in the opening half and Nigeria managing only two attempts throughout the contest.
Morocco have faced immense expectations to secure their nations first AFCON crown in 50 years and only their second ever.
While their aspirations endure, it marks a heartbreaking conclusion for Nigerias campaign, two years on from their final defeat to the hosts in Ivory Coast.
Guided by recent African player of the year recipients Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, Nigeria had arguably shone brightest in the tournament until the semis and led as the highest scorers with 14 goals across their initial five fixtures.
The players battled relentlessly for every ball, and losing on penalties is tough, but that is the nature of the sport, and we must embrace it, stated Nigeria coach Eric Chelle.
He continued: I take pride in my teams efforts, though I feel let down for them, as the truth is we might have been the strongest outfit in this AFCON.
Mane Shatters Salahs Hopes
In the earlier match, Mane netted a 78th minute decider to hand Senegal a 1 0 win against Egypt in Tangiers, before revealing it was his final AFCON appearance.
I am thrilled to participate in what is likely my last AFCON. I aim to claim victory in the final and return the trophy to Dakar, said the 33 year old.
Senegal, the 2022 champions, controlled the ball against a reserved Egypt, as the Nations Cup glory slips away yet again from Liverpool ace Salah.
This marked Salahs fifth AFCON outing, with his nearest brush to a winners medal being two runner up finishes.
It will be Senegals fourth overall Nations Cup final and their third in the past four tournaments.
I believe we controlled the match effectively throughout and, in general, earned the win. We will prepare thoroughly for the final, focusing on delivering our utmost, remarked Mane.
The key for me is Senegals success in every instance. I serve as a dedicated representative of the country. I strive to contribute fully each day, be it in practice or games.
The Africa Cup of Nations ranks as the toughest tournament globally. Every squad is on an equal footing.
Alluding to his ex Liverpool colleague Salah, Mane described the Egyptian as one of the worlds top talents.
The match winning strike arrived with 12 minutes left, as Manes firm low effort beat the keeper and found the bottom corner.