Morocco coach Walid Regragui turned his attention to Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal after his side edged Nigeria in a tense semi-final decided by penalties in Rabat.
The Atlas Lions prevailed 4-2 in the shootout following a goalless encounter at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Wednesday, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerging as the hero after saving two spot-kicks.
The Al Hilal shot-stopper denied Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi to secure Morocco’s first appearance in the AFCON final since 2004, before Youssef En-Nesyri converted the decisive penalty.
Earlier in the shootout, Neil El Aynaoui and Paul Onuachu scored for Morocco and Nigeria respectively, while Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali kept his side in contention with a save from Hamza Igamane.
Speaking after the match, Regragui described the upcoming clash with Senegal as a fitting finale between two of Africa’s strongest teams in recent years. Senegal booked their place in the final after defeating Egypt 1-0 in Tangier.
He acknowledged the quality of their opponents, referring to them as a formidable side with close ties to Morocco, and admitted that the final is evenly balanced.
Regragui also reflected on the physical nature of the semi-final, praising his team’s defensive discipline while noting that Nigeria created limited clear chances.
He emphasised the importance of confidence and collective effort, crediting his medical team for their work in keeping players fit ahead of the decisive match.
Despite the victory, the Moroccan coach conceded that his team still has areas to improve if they are to lift the trophy.
He highlighted the need for consistency at the highest level and stressed his ambition to build a winning mentality within the squad.
The AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal will take place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday.
