Hakimi Reveals Trick That Beat Nwabali, Fired Morocco Into AFCON Final

The semi-final clash at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat ended goalless after extra time, before Morocco prevailed 4-2 in the penalty shootout, sending the home fans into celebration.

Hakimi, who calmly converted Morocco’s fourth spot-kick, said he carefully observed Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali before taking his shot. The 27-year-old admitted the moment carried heavy emotions, especially memories of a previous penalty miss that had lingered with him.

“Alhamdulillah. A lot went through my mind at that moment,” Hakimi said. “I remembered the penalty in Ivory Coast when I wanted to help my team but couldn’t score. That memory came back.”

He explained that watching Nwabali’s movement during earlier kicks gave him confidence. “I studied how the goalkeeper was diving for my teammates’ shots, noticed the space, and placed the ball well,” he added.

Despite high expectations, the match itself produced few clear chances, with both teams remaining cautious and disciplined throughout regulation time and extra time, making a shootout inevitable.

Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou proved decisive, pulling off two vital saves to stop Bruno Onyemaechi and Samuel Chukwueze, tilting the contest in the hosts’ favour.

Hakimi, Africa’s reigning Footballer of the Year and a key player for Paris Saint-Germain, later praised the confidence shown in him by the coaching crew and his teammates.

“I’m grateful for the trust from everyone, especially the coach. We’ve worked hard on this, and today, thank God, it paid off,” he said.

Morocco will now face Senegal’s Teranga Lions in the AFCON final, scheduled for 8 p.m. on Sunday, January 18, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.