The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) final promises to be a historic showdown as Morocco host Senegal in Rabat on Sunday (19:00 GMT). The clash will see the continent’s two footballing powerhouses battle for the coveted Afcon trophy, with Morocco aiming to end a 50-year wait for their second title, while Senegal look to secure their second crown in four years.
Morocco, ranked 11th in the world, face Senegal, currently eight places below them, in what is expected to be a fiercely competitive encounter at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Morocco’s Golden Opportunity
For Morocco, winning Afcon represents not only continental glory but also a chance to validate decades of investment in football infrastructure. Since 2008, King Mohammed VI has overseen a transformation in Moroccan football, with state-of-the-art stadiums, training complexes, and youth academies designed to elevate the national game.
The Atlas Lions have enjoyed remarkable success at youth and domestic levels. Highlights include:
- Under-23s winning bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics
- Under-20s crowned World Champions in October 2025
- Three consecutive African Nations Championship (CHAN) titles (2018, 2020, 2024)
- FIFA Arab Cup triumph
Yet, the senior team has only one Afcon title to its name, won in Ethiopia 1976, and has made just one other final appearance since then, losing to Tunisia in 2004. Morocco’s captain Achraf Hakimi and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, named Africa’s best goalkeeper twice, will lead a team desperate to make history on home soil.
Morocco’s defence has been rock-solid during the tournament, conceding just one goal from a penalty, while Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz has been their top scorer. Defender Romain Saiss highlighted the importance of focus, stating, “It’s the kind of game where the details will make the difference. We have to keep our concentration, our desire to win and our discipline and try to win on Sunday.”
Senegal: The Teranga Lions Seek Back-to-Back Glory
Senegal, winners of the 2021 Afcon in Cameroon, are aiming for their second title in four years. Led by Sadio Mane, the 33-year-old forward and former Liverpool star has been pivotal, scoring crucial goals and penalties throughout the tournament. Mane, who netted the decisive penalty in the 2021 final, is expected to bow out of Afcon with a memorable victory.
The Teranga Lions boast an array of attacking talent including Iliman Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson, Habib Diallo, Ismaila Sarr, and 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye, ensuring that Morocco’s defence will be tested to the fullest. Despite missing captain Kalidou Koulibaly and midfielder Habib Diarra through suspension, Senegal’s squad is filled with experienced players such as goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye, veterans of their last triumph.
Senegal have reached the Afcon final four times, suffering defeats in 2002 and 2019 before claiming glory in 2021. Coach Pape Thiaw now has a chance to create history by potentially becoming the first manager to win both CHAN and Afcon tournaments.
Tactical Battle: Defence vs Attack
Morocco’s defensive record has been the backbone of their Afcon campaign, while Senegal’s attacking firepower, spearheaded by Mane, poses a significant threat. The clash is expected to be a tactical duel between Morocco’s disciplined defence and Senegal’s versatile forward line.
Home advantage could play a crucial role, with Morocco unbeaten in competitive games on home soil since November 2009. The 69,500-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium is set to provide a vibrant and intimidating atmosphere for the visiting Teranga Lions.
Morocco coach Walid Regragui, under immense pressure to deliver the trophy, emphasized recovery and focus ahead of the final after their semi-final win over Nigeria. “It is a great gift for them to be in the final but we will need to recover quickly because we put a lot of energy into the game,” he said.
Prize Money and Continental Glory
Beyond the prestige of lifting the Afcon trophy, the champions will also collect $10 million in prize money, an increase of $3 million from the previous edition. Both nations are vying not only for glory but also for the bragging rights of being Africa’s top team.
The final will also continue a recent trend of African coaches leading their teams to Afcon success, with Regragui or Thiaw following in the footsteps of Djamel Belmadi (Algeria, 2019), Aliou Cisse (Senegal, 2021), and Emerse Fae (Ivory Coast, 2023).
The Stage Is Set
With Morocco’s golden generation aiming to transform decades of investment into silverware and Senegal seeking to cement their continental dominance, the 2025 Afcon final promises drama, skill, and high stakes. Whether it is Hakimi’s leadership or Mane’s final hurrah, Sunday’s clash will be remembered in African football history.
One side will lift the trophy and claim their place in the history books, while the other will have to wait for another opportunity. Morocco’s home advantage, impressive tournament record, and passionate support could tip the scales, but Senegal’s experience and attacking depth make them formidable opponents.
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