Morocco took his place in Africa Cup of Nations They were on the verge of making the finals for the first time since 2004 Nigeria 4-2 on penalties after a tense goalless draw in the semi-finals.

The Atlas Lions have not won the AFCON since they did so in 1976, and the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists played under the weight of huge expectations on home soil as they look to end their wait for another title.

Morocco were the better team for a long uninspiring contest in Rabat, although neither side created much in the way of clear-cut chances.

And it was Morocco who held their nerve in the shootout, with Youssef N-Nessiri scoring the decisive penalty while Bruno’s poor spot-kick gave them the chance to book a place in the final against Senegal.

Morocco will now face the Lions of Teranga at the same venue on Sunday, while Nigeria face Egypt in a third-place play-off that will provide no consolation for a Super Eagles side that will be conspicuous by its absence from this summer’s World Cup.