Senegal booked their place in the final after edging Morocco 7-6 on penalties following a tense 1-1 draw in Rabat, in a contest that lived up to the growing rivalry between the two African heavyweights.
The atmosphere inside the Moroccan capital was electric as both sides traded blows in a fiercely contested semifinal packed with intensity, tactical battles and late drama. Neither nation managed to find a decisive winner during regulation time, forcing the tie into a nerve-shredding penalty shootout.
With pressure mounting after every kick, the Lions of Teranga showed remarkable composure from the spot. Senegal held their nerve in the sudden-death exchanges, eventually sealing a dramatic 7-6 victory as Moroccan hearts were broken on home soil.
The shootout swung repeatedly, with both teams displaying quality and courage under immense pressure. However, Senegal ultimately emerged stronger mentally in the decisive moments, sparking wild celebrations among players and supporters after the final penalty was converted.
Morocco, who had hoped to capitalize on home advantage in Rabat, pushed relentlessly throughout the encounter and matched Senegal stride for stride. But despite their spirited performance, the Atlas Lions fell agonizingly short of a place in the final.
Senegal will now turn their focus to a blockbuster final showdown against Tanzania, while Morocco are left to reflect on a painful exit after one of the tournament’s most dramatic matches.
The rivalry delivered everything — tension, quality, emotion and unforgettable drama under the Rabat lights.
