Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged the hero as hosts Morocco booked their place in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in 21 years, edging Nigeria 4-2 on penalties after a goalless semi-final in Rabat on Wednesday night.

After 90 minutes and extra time failed to separate the sides, the contest was settled from the penalty spot, where Bounou rose to the occasion in front of a packed Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah.

The Morocco shot-stopper underlined his status as one of the continent’s finest, producing decisive saves to deny Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi and propel the Atlas Lions one step closer to continental glory.

Neil El Aynaoui and Paul Onuachu converted the opening penalties for their respective sides, before Nigeria appeared to gain the upper hand when Stanley Nwabali saved Hamza Igamane’s effort. That advantage, however, was swiftly erased as Bounou read Chukwueze’s kick to perfection, restoring parity.

Eliesse Ben Seghir and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru kept their nerve in the next round, before captain Achraf Hakimi stepped up confidently to put Morocco 3-2 ahead with the penultimate kick.

Bounou then delivered the defining moment of the shootout, stretching out a strong hand to repel Onyemaechi’s attempt.

With the stadium holding its breath, Youssef En-Nesyri stepped up and calmly dispatched the decisive penalty, sending the Rabat crowd into raptures and sealing a historic night for the hosts.

The victory came as a huge release of pressure for Morocco, who have carried the weight of expectation throughout the tournament as hosts.

Morocco will battle Senegal in the decider on Sunday, 18 January.

Courtesy of CafOnline.com