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Hosts Morocco to face Mane’s Senegal for glory
The Star
|January 16, 2026
HOSTS Morocco will face Sadio Mane’s Senegal in this weekend's Africa Cup of Nations final after both emerged victorious from tense semifinals on Wednesday, as Mohamed Salah’s dreams of winning the title were again dashed.
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Morocco beat Nigeria 4~2 on penalties after a semifinal showdown of few chances in the capital, Rabat, finished 0-0 at the end of extra time. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou performed heroics by saving twice in the shootout. Bounou, of Saudi side Al-Hilal, denied Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, allowing Youssef En-Nesyri to convert the winning kick and spark wild celebrations among over 65 000 fans inside the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
As well as joy, there was relief for Hamza Igamane, who had appeared distraught after his kick — Morocco's second in the shootout — was saved by Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. He was the only Moroccan player to fail to score in the shootout, however, with captain and talisman Achraf Hakimi among those who converted their penalties.
This story is from the January 16, 2026 edition of The Star.
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