Rabat: Morocco Head Coach, Walid Regragui, has expressed gratitude towards his players and fans following the Atlas Lions’ victory over Nigeria, securing their spot in the AFCON 2025 final after a 4-2 penalty shootout win in Rabat. Regragui highlighted the importance of unity and sacrifice, attributing the win to the collective effort of the team and the support from fans.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the semi-final match concluded in a goalless draw after regulation and extra time at Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah. Regragui acknowledged the physical demands of the match but stated that reaching the final on home soil justified the effort. He also praised Nigeria and their head coach, Eric Chelle, for their disciplined performance.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the standout player, saving penalties from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, which allowed Youssef En-Nesyri to score the decisive penalty, igniting celebrations among the home supporters. Bounou attributed the victory to teamwork and expressed gratitude to the fans for their support.
Bounou was named TotalEnergies Man of the Match and credited Regragui’s preparation and his teammates’ dedication for the success. He emphasized the importance of recovery and preparation as the team looks ahead to the final against Senegal.
Morocco aims to secure their second AFCON title, having last won the tournament in 1976, marking a 50-year milestone. As the Atlas Lions prepare for Sunday’s final in Rabat, the anticipation among fans continues to grow.