Senegal will attempt to dash Morocco’s hopes of lifting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy on home soil when both giants collide in Sunday’s highly anticipated final. With the hosts backed by a passionate crowd, the showdown promises drama as Morocco chase a first continental crown in nearly 50 years.
Morocco entered the tournament as strong favourites, buoyed by their historic run to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals and their rise to the top of African football rankings. Under coach Walid Regragui, the Atlas Lions have built a reputation as one of the continent’s most consistent and disciplined sides.
The North Africans have not lost a competitive match in two years, a run stretching back to their shock last-16 exit at the previous AFCON. Led by reigning African Footballer of the Year Achraf Hakimi, Morocco have combined defensive solidity with attacking intent throughout the competition.
That impressive pedigree has, however, come with immense pressure. Hosting the tournament for the first time since 1988, and staging an AFCON that crossed two calendar years, expectations have been relentless. Early criticism from home supporters has gradually given way to belief as results improved.
All of Morocco’s matches have been played at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, where the team overcame early jeers to win over fans. A convincing quarter-final victory over Cameroon and a tense penalty shootout win against Nigeria in the semi-finals have set the stage for a packed final, with nearly 70,000 supporters expected.
Regragui believes his side has earned its place in the final after navigating a difficult path. He has also acknowledged Morocco’s modest AFCON history, with their only title coming in 1976. Having been part of the squad that lost the 2004 final to Tunisia, the coach is eager to rewrite history.
Standing in Morocco’s way is a formidable Senegal team ranked second in Africa and appearing in their third final in four AFCON editions. The Lions of Teranga lifted their maiden title in 2022 and are determined to add another, despite a disappointing early exit in 2024.
Senegal’s route to the final included a decisive semi-final victory over Egypt, sealed by a Sadio Mane goal. The squad is packed with experience, with Mane, Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and Idrissa Gana Gueye all in the twilight years of their international careers.
Mane has already confirmed that this final will mark his AFCON farewell, adding emotional weight to the occasion. The former Liverpool star has made it clear that his ultimate aim is to return the trophy to Dakar, describing himself as a servant of the nation.
Senegal will, however, be without suspended defender Koulibaly, a significant setback in a final expected to be decided by fine margins. With both teams boasting the tournament’s best defensive records, conceding just three goals combined, Sunday’s clash is set to be a tense, tactical battle for African football’s biggest prize.
