Nigeria’s dream of lifting a fourth Africa Cup of Nations trophy has come to an end following their heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Morocco in the semi-final, Footynaija.com reports.
The game got off to a cagey start with both teams sizing each other up in the opening exchanges. But as the contest progressed, Morocco steadily took charge of proceedings to the delight of their home crowd.
Most of the promising attacking plays in the first half came from the Atlas Lions, who registered six shots on goal compared to the Super Eagles’ singular effort which drew a comfortable save from Yassine Bounou in the Morocco goal.
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The Super Eagles never really got going as an attacking force, majorly due to Morocco’s strong hold on the game. Brahim Diaz and Achraf Hakimi combined well down that right flank to cause plenty of problems for Nigeria’s defense but they were ultimately unable to cause any telling damage.
The Atlas Lions’ best chance of the first half fell to forward Abdessamad Ezzalzouli but the 24-year-old winger was smartly thwarted by Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to keep things level at the break.
In the second half, things followed a similar pattern as the first. Morocco probed without being able to penetrate while the Super Eagles found little joy going forward. The match remained goalless after 90 minutes, taking both teams into extra-time.
Extra-time in Rabat
Extra-time yet again saw the hosts continue to dominate proceedings while the Super Eagles maintained their defensive approach and looked to break on the counter.
Morocco’s five attempts compared to Nigeria’s zero in extra-time alone tells the entire story. But the Super Eagles managed to hold on and force a penalty shootout.
The Atlas Lions went on to carry the day after converting four of their five penalties. Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi missed their respective spot-kicks for Nigeria while Youssef En-Neysri scored the decisive kick for Morocco.
