AFCON 2025: How I studied Nwabali to score crucial penalty against Nigeria — Hakimi opens up

The highly anticipated semi-final between Morocco and Nigeria failed to produce a goal in regular and extra time, setting the stage for a dramatic shootout to decide the winner.

Morocco's goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, emerged as the hero for the hosts, saving spot-kicks from both Bruno Onyemaechi and Samuel Chukwueze to give his side the advantage.

Achraf Hakimi, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, stepped up to take Morocco's fourth penalty and coolly converted to seal the victory.

Speaking after the match, the Paris Saint-Germain star admitted that the pressure of the moment brought back difficult memories.

In comments reported by Elbotola, Hakimi reflected on his thoughts before the kick. "Dima Maghrib (Always Morocco), Al Hamdulillah (Thank God). At that moment, many things went through my head, I won't deny it," he said.

"I relived many memories, and I remembered the penalty in Ivory Coast, when I wanted to help my team and unfortunately I didn't score it."

The fullback explained how he overcame the past disappointment, crediting his preparation and observation of Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

"Everyone trusted me, starting with the coach, whom I thank. We worked hard, and I developed this aspect, and today, thank God, the ball went in," Hakimi added.

"I was watching the goalkeeper (Nwabali) a bit, how he was diving on my teammates' shots, then I saw there was space and the shot went in very well."

Morocco will now prepare to face Senegal in the AFCON final on Sunday, January 18, at the same venue in Rabat.