In Morocco, the semi-final of the Africa Cup of Nations took place between Morocco and Nigeria, with both teams seeking a spot in the final. The match, held at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat, began at 8pm GMT on a weekday. After a tightly contested 120 minutes that ended in a goalless draw, Morocco advanced by winning 4-3 on penalties, marking their first AFCON semi-final win since 2004. Performance-wise, Nigeria demonstrated difficulties offensively, managing only two shots during the match, whereas Morocco showcased strong defense. Both sides faced injuries, with Nigeria's captain Wilfred Ndidi suspended for the match. Conversely, Morocco welcomed back their star player Achraf Hakimi, which likely contributed to their solid performance. Following this triumph, Morocco's confidence surged as they set their sights on winning the AFCON title for the first time in 50 years. The victory was not only a milestone for Morocco but also raised questions for Nigeria about their ability to overcome pressure in significant matches.