London, 15 January 2026 (dpa/MIA) - Host nation Morocco kept their cool to seal a 4-2 penalty shoot-out win over Nigeria on Wednesday to stay on course for a first Africa Cup of Nations title in 50 years.

Morocco's maiden and only tournament triumph occurred in 1976, but Walid Regragui's team are within touching distance of glory again after goalkeeper Yassine Bounou starred with two saves.

The hosts had enjoyed the better of the semi-final tie with Nigeria restricted to only two shots across 120 minutes.

Nigeria boss Eric Chelle made the surprise decision to take off captain Victor Osimhen two minutes before the shoot-out and it backfired with Samuel Chukwueze, one of two late substitutes sent on, denied by Bounou.

Bounou thwarted Bruno Onyemaechi next, which allowed Youssef En-Nesyri the chance to send Morocco into the final and he duly delivered.

Mane gets better of old team-mate Salah

Earlier, Sadio Mane got the better of ex-Liverpool team-mate Mohamed Salah after his winner fired Senegal into the Africa Cup of Nations final with a 1-0 victory over Egypt.

This was the first meeting between the nations since three battles in 2022, which included Senegal's penalty shoot-out success over Egypt to claim the title four years ago.

Salah had scored four times prior to this last-four clash but endured a frustrating evening at Stade Ibn-Batouta, with his team only able to produce three shots to ensure his wait for a continental title extends.

Senegal quickly took control but had to wait until 12 minutes from time for Mane to make his mark.

After Lamine Camera had a shot blocked, the ball ricocheted to Mane and he chested down before rifling into the bottom corner to spark jubilant celebrations.

Egypt pushed for a late leveller and Omar Marmoush tested Edouard Mendy in stoppage-time but Senegal held on to book a place in Sunday's final.

Photo: EPA