The stage is set for a historic showdown as Senegal face Morocco in the final of the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Played in front of a passionate home crowd in Rabat, the final pits Africa’s two highest-ranked teams against each other in what promises to be one of the most compelling AFCON finals in modern history.
For Morocco, the match represents a chance to end a 50-year wait for a second continental title. For Senegal, it is an opportunity to defend their status among Africa’s elite by claiming a second AFCON crown in just four years.
Senegal vs Morocco: Match Details
- Fixture: Senegal vs Morocco
- Competition: Africa Cup of Nations 2025 – Final
- Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, Morocco
- Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
- Kickoff Time: 8:00pm local time (19:00 GMT)
- Capacity: 69,500
Al Jazeera Sport will provide full build-up coverage from 16:00 GMT, followed by live text commentary of the final.
A Duel of Lions: AFCON’s Biggest Final in Years
The final is a symbolic clash between two footballing giants:
- Atlas Lions (Morocco)
- Teranga Lions (Senegal)
Both sides entered the tournament as favourites and have largely lived up to expectations, navigating a month-long competition that showcased Africa’s finest talent with few major upsets.
Morocco, ranked 11th in the world, and Senegal, ranked 19th, are expected to climb further in the FIFA rankings after the final.
Pressure on Hosts Morocco After 50 Years of Waiting
Morocco last lifted the AFCON trophy in 1976, and the weight of history now rests heavily on the shoulders of the hosts. Massive investment in football infrastructure, youth development, and elite coaching has raised expectations to unprecedented levels.
After their historic run to the World Cup semifinals in Qatar 2022, anything short of victory on home soil will be seen as a disappointment.
Every Moroccan match at AFCON 2025 has been played in Rabat, with deafening support creating a formidable home advantage — one Senegal has openly questioned.
Senegal’s Complaints Over Treatment Ahead of Final
In the days leading up to the final, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) formally complained to CAF, citing concerns over fairness, security, and equal treatment.
Senegal travelled by train from Tangier to Rabat on Friday but reportedly encountered:
- Insufficient security arrangements
- Overcrowding upon arrival
- Issues with accommodation and training facilities
- Limited ticket allocation for Senegalese supporters
The FSF warned that these issues posed safety risks and undermined the integrity of a continental final.
Notably, the final will be Senegal’s first match outside Tangier, while Morocco have played all six of their games in Rabat — a point of contention if the result goes against the defending champions.
Key Players to Watch: Senegal
Sadio Mane – The Leader
- Tournament-high 18 chances created
- 11 AFCON goals overall
- Scored in the semifinal against Egypt
The two-time African Footballer of the Year is widely expected to be playing his final AFCON match, adding emotional weight to Senegal’s campaign.
Edouard Mendy – Defensive Backbone
- Conceded just two goals in the tournament
- Senegal have kept 15 clean sheets in their last 22 AFCON matches
Supporting Cast
- Idrissa Gana Gueye: Midfield experience and composure
- Iliman Ndiaye: Increasingly influential in attack
- Ibrahim Mbaye: Breakout PSG teenager impressing on the big stage
Key Players to Watch: Morocco
Brahim Diaz – Tournament Star
While Achraf Hakimi remains Morocco’s global icon, the standout performer has been Brahim Diaz:
- Scored in five consecutive matches
- Could equal Ahmed Faras as Morocco’s joint top AFCON scorer
Achraf Hakimi – Captain and Creator
- Missed first two matches with injury
- Created 10 chances, the most for any Moroccan player
Defensive Solidity
Morocco have conceded just one goal in the tournament — a group-stage penalty — underlining their tactical discipline.
AFCON History: Senegal vs Morocco
Senegal
- AFCON titles: 1 (2022)
- Famous penalty-shootout win over Egypt in Yaoundé
- Sadio Mane scored the decisive spot-kick
Morocco
- AFCON titles: 1 (1976)
- 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of that triumph
- Seeking redemption after disappointment at the 2023 AFCON
Remarkably, this is the first time Senegal and Morocco have met in an AFCON final, despite playing each other 31 times overall.
Head-to-Head Record
- Total meetings: 31
- Morocco wins: 18
- Senegal wins: 6
- Draws: 7
Many meetings came in the African Nations Championship (CHAN), making this AFCON final a truly historic first.
Team News and Suspensions
Senegal
- Out: Kalidou Koulibaly (suspended – yellow cards)
- Out: Habib Diarra (suspended)
Predicted lineup:
Mendy; Diatta, Sarr, Niakhate, Diouf; Diarra, I. Gueye, P. Gueye; Ndiaye, Jackson, Mane
Morocco
- Out: Azzedine Ounahi (calf injury)
- Out: Romain Saiss (muscle injury)
Predicted lineup:
Bono; Hakimi, Aguerd, Masina, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui; Diaz, El Khannouss, Saibari, Ezzalzouli; El Kaabi
What’s at Stake Beyond AFCON Glory?
- Both teams have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Senegal fans face uncertainty due to US travel restrictions
- Morocco continues preparations to co-host the 2030 World Cup
- Morocco is also expected to host the 2028 AFCON
Final Word
This AFCON final is more than just a football match. It is a battle of legacy, pressure, politics, and pride — between Africa’s reigning champions and its most ambitious hosts.
Whether it ends Senegal’s dominance or finally frees Morocco from 50 years of waiting, Senegal vs Morocco is poised to become one of the defining finals in Africa Cup of Nations history.
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