Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has praised the Super Eagles for their “very strong performance” following the host nation’s intense semi-final victory on Wednesday. The 34-year-old Al-Hilal shot-stopper earned Man of the Match honors after anchoring a disciplined Moroccan defense through a goalless 120 minutes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Bounou eventually secured the win in the penalty shootout, where he denied both Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi to help the Atlas Lions claim a 4–2 victory from the spot.
Bounou expressed deep appreciation for the home support and his teammates’ tactical execution during the post-match interview. He acknowledged that the Nigerian side presented a significant challenge, pushing the tournament favorites to their limit in a contest defined by physical intensity and high-level goalkeeping.
The win propels Morocco into their first Africa Cup of Nations final since 2004, ending a 22-year wait for a chance at the continental crown on home soil.
“The atmosphere during the match was wonderful. I thank all the fans who supported us. The players did what was required in a match that wasn’t easy at all, and the opponent delivered a very strong performance. I would like to thank the coach, Walid Regragui, who prepared us very well for this semifinal match, and I also thank all my teammates,” Bounou said.
The veteran goalkeeper now prepares for a monumental final showdown against defending champions Senegal this Sunday, January 18, 2026. Morocco aims to secure its second AFCON title and its first since 1976, while Senegal looks to reclaim the trophy they famously won in 2021. With Bounou in peak form and the Moroccan defense conceding only one goal throughout the tournament, the Atlas Lions enter the final as the most statistically dominant defensive unit in the competition.
Nigeria, meanwhile, prepares for a third-place play-off against Egypt on Saturday at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca. Despite the semi-final heartbreak, the Super Eagles earned respect from the Moroccan camp for their clinical approach and defensive grit. As the host nation shifts its focus to the “Lions of Teranga,” the performance of Bounou remains a central narrative for a Moroccan side that relies heavily on his veteran leadership and penalty-saving expertise.
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