AFCON 2025 Third-Place Match: Nigeria Beats Egypt on Penalties After 0-0 Draw

Egypt and Nigeria deadlocked after 90 minutes at AFCON 2025 third-place match

The third-place match of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 between Egypt and Nigeria ended in a 0-0 draw after 90 minutes in Casablanca, leading the contest to be decided by a penalty shootout. Nigeria ultimately triumphed 4-2 on penalties, securing their ninth third-place finish at the tournament, maintaining their perfect record in such matches.

• Egypt and Nigeria played a tightly contested match at Mohammed V Stadium, with neither side scoring during regulation time.
• Nigeria introduced Ademola Lookman early in the second half, who appeared lively and even scored shortly after entering, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
• Egypt prioritized game management, with Mohamed Salah dropping deep and tactical substitutions from both teams influencing the match flow.
• The penalty shootout saw key saves by Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, denying both Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, and Nigeria secured victory after Ademola Lookman scored the decisive spot kick.
• The match took place in front of a near-capacity crowd at Casablanca’s Mohamed V Stadium, with referee Jalal Jayed officiating.

Intensely contested goalless draw leads to penalties

The AFCON 2025 third-place playoff between Egypt and Nigeria was held at the iconic Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, a venue boasting a seating capacity of 67,000 and a rich football history since its inauguration in 1955. The match attracted significant attention as two continental heavyweights battled for the bronze medal.

Both teams took a cautious approach in the first half, creating limited clear-cut opportunities. Defensive solidity and disciplined organization prevailed on both sides, resulting in a goalless stalemate at half-time.

Lookman’s bursts spark Nigeria but ruled offside

Nigeria sought to heighten their tempo after the interval, immediately making an impact by introducing Ademola Lookman shortly after the second half began. Lookman’s sharp movement and technical skills made him Nigeria’s most threatening player; he even managed to find the net within minutes of coming on. However, the joy was short-lived as the goal was disallowed due to an offside call.

Despite this setback, the Super Eagles continued to create brief flashes of attacking threat, often centered around Lookman’s dynamism. Egypt's defense, however, remained resilient, with defenders throwing their bodies in front of shots and smothering Nigeria’s best chances inside the penalty area.

Egypt’s tactical adjustments and game management

Egypt, under coach Hossam Hassan, prioritized controlling the game and minimizing risks. Mohamed Salah, their star forward, frequently dropped into pockets of space to dictate play and maintain possession. Around the 61st minute, Hassan made key substitutions by bringing on Omar Marmoush and Mahmoud Saber in place of Mahmoud Trezeguet and Ahmed "Zizo" Sayed to refresh the midfield and forward lines.

Nigeria responded by replacing Bright Osayi-Samuel with Alex Iwobi, aiming to keep their attacking impetus alive. Egypt also later introduced Ibrahim Adel for Mostafa Mohamed as the contest neared its conclusion. Both sides pushed men forward as fatigue set in, looking for a decisive breakthrough, but the defenses held firm.

Penalty shootout drama decides bronze medalist

With the score locked at 0-0 after 90 minutes, the AFCON regulations dictated the match be resolved via penalties, a format Nigeria has mastered, remaining unbeaten in third-place playoff shootouts.

Nigeria won the coin toss and elected to kick first. Unfortunately for them, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s initial penalty was saved by Egypt’s goalkeeper, Mostafa Shobeir (also referenced as Oufa Shobeir). Egypt, however, failed to capitalize, with Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali swinging the momentum decisively by saving penalties from two of Egypt's top scorers — Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.

Egypt kept their hopes alive through successful penalties from Rami Rabia and Mahmoud Saber, but Nigeria’s clinical finishing proved decisive. Akor Adams, Moses Simon, and Alex Iwobi all converted confidently. The shootout climaxed when Ademola Lookman calmly netted the winning penalty.

Team line-ups and key players

The match line-ups reflected both coaches’ tactical intentions:

Egypt (3-5-2): Goalkeeper: Mostafa Shobeir Defenders: Mohamed Hany, Ramy Rabia, Khaled Sobhy Midfielders: Ahmed Zizo, Emam Ashour, Hamdy Fathy, Trezeguet, Mohanad Lasheen Attackers: Mostafa Mohamed, Mohamed Salah

Nigeria (4-3-3): Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali Defenders: Igoh Ogbu, Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi-Samuel Midfielders: Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Samuel Chukwueze Attackers included Ademola Lookman among others.

Context and significance of the match

Nigeria entered the match aiming to salvage pride after their semifinal elimination via a 4-2 penalty shootout defeat, where they had missed key chances. Conversely, Egypt had suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Senegal in their semifinal, having been unable to find an equalizer.

The third-place match was thus a final chance for both teams to gain a continental medal and maintain their prestigious African tournament reputations. Nigeria’s victory marked their ninth third-place finish at AFCON men’s tournaments, an unmatched record that testifies to their consistent high-level performances.

Match setting and officiating

The match was officiated by referee Jalal Jayed, who brought both national and international experience. Ensuring a smooth contest in an emotionally charged atmosphere, Jayed managed a game highly competitive but fair.

The fans created an electric atmosphere inside the Mohamed V Stadium, amplifying the pressure during the penalty shootout phase. The close tactical battle, combined with intense moments on penalties, provided a fitting climax to the bronze medal encounter.

In summary, the AFCON 2025 third-place match showcased two historic African football powers locked in a tactical, tense battle culminating in a dramatic penalty shootout. Nigeria’s efficiency and resilience under pressure secured the bronze medal and extended their remarkable legacy in the competition’s third-place playoff matches. Egypt, despite their undoubted quality and Salah’s influence, will reflect on missed opportunities but can take pride in a well-fought campaign.