Stalemate in Rabat: Nigeria and Morocco Locked at Half-Time

The high-stakes AFCON 2025 semi-final between Nigeria and host-nation Morocco reached half-time scoreless at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah. In an atmosphere described as a partisan cauldron, Morocco dominated early possession, with Brahim Diaz curling wide in the 9th minute. Nigeria’s best opportunity fell to Ademola Lookman, whose 14th-minute strike forced a sharp save from Yassine Bounou. The half turned physical, resulting in a yellow card for Calvin Bassey, who will now miss the final if the Super Eagles advance.

Achraf Hakimi nearly broke the deadlock with a whistling free-kick that skimmed the roof of the net, while Stanley Nwabali denied Ismael Saibari late in the half. With both teams neutralizing each other’s star forwards, including tournament top-scorer Diaz and Victor Osimhen, the match remains a tactical gridlock. The winner faces Senegal on Sunday.