Marrakech – Egypt’s ambassador to Morocco, Ahmed Nihad Abdel-Latif, took to social media in a celebratory tone following the Atlas Lions’ spectacular qualification to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final.
“I extend my sincerest congratulations to Morocco and to all my Moroccan friends on this great achievement and the qualification of the Moroccan national football team, the Atlas Lions, for the Africa Cup of Nations final,” Abdel-Latif declared. “I wish them every success in next Sunday’s final.”
The diplomatic tribute followed Morocco’s nerve-shredding penalty shootout triumph over Nigeria. The Atlas Lions clinched a 4-2 spot-kick victory after 120 minutes of deadlock in Rabat’s pulsating semifinal encounter.
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Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the shootout hero, denying two Nigerian attempts before Youssef En-Nesyri thundered home the decisive conversion. The dramatic victory catapulted Morocco into their first continental showpiece since falling to Tunisia in 2004.
The Atlas Lions now stand 90 minutes away from ending a 50-year trophy drought. Sunday’s final pits them against reigning champions Senegal, who edged Egypt through Sadio Mane’s clinical finish in Wednesday’s opening semifinal.
Abdel-Latif’s social media congratulations built upon his earlier praise for Moroccan hospitality. In statements to Ahram Online on January 10, the ambassador had lauded Morocco’s embrace of the Egyptian squad.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Moroccan authorities for their warm reception and support provided to the Egyptian national team, to the Moroccan public for backing our team, and to Egyptian fans for their presence and support during the matches held in Agadir,” Abdel-Latif stated.
The diplomatic mission orchestrated comprehensive team logistics throughout Egypt’s campaign. Embassy officials coordinated arrival procedures, secured accommodation arrangements, and implemented security protocols for the Pharaohs delegation.
Egyptian media contingents received full diplomatic backing to ensure comprehensive tournament coverage. The embassy facilitated transportation networks for supporters journeying from Rabat and Casablanca to Agadir venues.
Embassy intervention proved crucial when defender Mohamed Hamdy suffered a tournament-ending anterior cruciate ligament rupture. Officials secured emergency medical clearance for the defender’s surgery in Germany.
Dynamic semifinal journeys
Nigeria’s penalty capitulation against Morocco yesterday saw Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi buckle under pressure. The Super Eagles converted merely two attempts in the decisive shootout sequence.
Meanwhile, the Pharaohs controlled possession against Senegal in their match, but struggled to penetrate disciplined defensive structures. Mohamed Salah’s creative influence was neutralized by tactical suffocation.
Egypt’s semifinal elimination to Senegal sets up Saturday’s bronze medal collision with Nigeria at Casablanca’s iconic Stade Mohammed V. The third-place playoff resurrects one of African football’s most storied rivalries.
For the Pharaohs, Saturday’s 5 p.m. kickoff carries significance beyond bronze medal distribution. The encounter influences FIFA coefficient calculations and psychological momentum heading into the 2026 World Cup qualification battles.
