Saiss: "Today I feel like a small child, and on Sunday we will play the final and lift the trophy, God willing."

Morocco national team defender Romain Saiss expressed his delight at reaching the Africa Cup of Nations final, commending the crucial role played by his teammate Yassine Bounou in achieving this milestone.

Speaking to the press, Saiss stated: "We are very happy. This is the goal we have been working towards for many years. Today, I feel like a small child because this is my fifth Africa Cup of Nations, and after the fifth, we have finally managed to reach this final."

He continued: "Furthermore, we are playing on home soil. One match still awaits us – a match where we must fight and give everything to lift this trophy, so we can celebrate together with a big celebration after winning, God willing."

Regarding the penalty shootout, Saiss explained: "I wouldn't say we were completely calm, but we know we have Bounou in goal. This takes some pressure off us, and we know that if we convert our penalties, he will save one or two every time. He performed his role perfectly."

He added: "We are fortunate to have a great goalkeeper – in fact, great goalkeepers – because I believe credit also goes to El Mohamadi and El Harrar, who are doing exceptional work. And God willing, on Sunday, we will play the final and lift the trophy."