*Morocco Target First AFCON Trophy In 22 Years
By Felix Durumbah,Abuja
As many football-loving Nigerians continue to do a post-mortem on Super Eagles’ Wednesday night’s shock ouster from the final of ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) and seek to explain it away with one reason or the other, the debate is yet to subside.
Some fans on social media have even gone to the clearly ridiculous extent of evaluating the loss along ethnic lines: That Nigeria’s losing penalty takers, Sam Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, allegedly did so deliberately because they hail from a particular ‘grumbling’ part of the country –irrespective of the duo’s plethora of past meritorious services to the country.
However, as such fans soak themselves in the sea of bitter bigotry and swim in obvious sheer ignorance, the Moroccan media feel differently.
Basing their conviction on hard facts,they believe their team played a great game, were not scared of the Super Eagles,dominated the Nigerians, and did what they had to do, professionally, to qualify for the final.
Several Moroccan newspapers hold this view.
For instance, the newspaper, Lematin.ma, a prominent French-language daily published by the Maroc Soir Media Group, in its edition of today, which was translated into English language by People&Politics using a digital translator, played up the heroic performances of the Atlas Lions goalkeeper, 34-year-old ex-Sevilla safe hands Yassine Bounou, as the yoke breaker that swung the match in the comfortable Maghrebian country’s favour.
Bounou is the reigning African Goalkeeper of the Year.
On the paper’s sports pages, visited by People&Politics, and under the headline ‘AFCON 2025: Bounou, The Hero Who Thrilled All Of Morocco’, the daily reported the country’s perspective to what really happened.
The full report runs this way:
“On Wednesday evening, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Yassine Bounou once again demonstrated why he is considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Thanks to his two decisive saves during the penalty shootout against Nigeria, Morocco qualified for the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, a first in 22 years.
“For 120 minutes, the Atlas Lions delivered a solid performance against a tenacious Nigeria. Morocco dominated, created chances, but couldn’t find a way through.
“As is often the case in such close matches, it all came down to penalties. The tension rose when Hamza Igamane missed his spot-kick.
“But Bounou immediately regained control by saving Samuel Chukwueze’s attempt. Then, on Bruno Onyemaechi’s final penalty, he made a spectacular save that sent Morocco to the final.
“At 34, the African Goalkeeper of the Year for 2025 has nothing left to prove. Yet, match after match, he continues to raise his game in decisive moments.
“So focused was he on the potential Nigerian shots ahead that he didn’t immediately realize that his save sent Morocco to the final. It took Youssef En-Nesyri’s winning penalty and a glance towards the bench for the emotion to finally take over.
” A Silent Leader
“Named man of the match, Bounou once again demonstrated humility, emphasizing the team effort. “Today, the team needed me, and I was there for them. By the grace of God, things went our way,” he stressed.
“Regarding the penalty shootout, he added, “We had prepared for this penalty shootout, but our opponents were also aware of that. So, I had to rely on my intuition and a bit of luck as well.” Finally, concerning the upcoming clash against the Lions of Teranga , Bounou concluded, “In three days, God willing, we will try to recover and give our best to the Moroccan fans.”
“Thanks to their star goalkeeper, Morocco have secured a home Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal this Sunday. A prestigious match, the final step towards a title they’ve been waiting for for almost half a century.
“With a solid squad, a passionate home crowd, and Yassine Bounou in inspired form, the Atlas Lions have everything they need to thrill the entire nation and claim the continental crown.”
*PHOTO CAPTION: Bounou dives during the penalty shootout.
