Morocco and Senegal Set for AFCON 2025 Final Showdown in Rabat

On Sunday night, under the glowing lights of Rabat, African football will briefly hold its breath as a host nation desperate to end a near five-decade wait for continental glory meets a reigning powerhouse determined to reaffirm its elite status.

The Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah will provide the stage for a defining moment in African football history when Morocco face Senegal in the final of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025. After a month of compelling action that has highlighted the continent’s growing quality both on and off the pitch, the tournament reaches its ultimate test — a final fitting of Africa’s premier football competition.

It is a night shaped by pride, pressure and an unrelenting pursuit of glory.

Morocco carry the weight of a nation

Morocco have not lifted the AFCON trophy since their landmark triumph in 1976. Nearly 50 years on, the Atlas Lions stand on the brink of ending that long wait, driven by passionate home support and the comfort of familiar surroundings.

Yet with that advantage comes heavy expectation. The roar of the crowd may inspire belief, but managing emotion could prove decisive.

“The team that naturally has the pressure is Morocco. It’s normal — we’re playing at home,” head coach Walid Regragui said ahead of the final.

“For us, the key factor will be managing emotions. My only fear is not playing freely, putting too much pressure on ourselves and starting to think negatively. This is a football match, a final: you have to play it, you have to enjoy it.”

Throughout the tournament, Morocco have demonstrated resilience and composure, none more so than in their dramatic semi-final victory over Nigeria, sealed on penalties. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero on the night, underlining the hosts’ ability to endure pressure when the margins are finest.

Senegal arrive with quiet confidence

Senegal, meanwhile, enter the final with the calm assurance of a side well versed in major occasions. Over the past decade, the Lions of Teranga have built a culture of consistency, marked by regular deep tournament runs, back-to-back finals and silverware born of long-term planning.

“Reaching the semi-finals has almost become the minimum for Senegal, and the final a habit,” defender Moussa Niakhaté said.

“We’ve always operated with respect — it’s part of the values instilled in us as Senegalese. At the end, there will be only one winner: either Morocco or us.”

Already AFCON champions after lifting the trophy in 2021, Senegal have surpassed their performance from the previous edition in Côte d’Ivoire, where they exited at the Round of 16. From their opening match in Morocco, they have displayed maturity, hunger and tactical discipline, making them formidable opponents for the hosts.

Respect before rivalry

On the eve of the final, both camps have adopted a tone of mutual respect rather than hostility.

“For us, it’s the image of Africa that is at stake,” Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw said. “We must not spoil it. Playing the host nation is never easy because of the crowd, but on the pitch, it’s 11 against 11.”

Thiaw is no stranger to continental success, having guided Senegal to the CHAN title in 2023.

Morocco are equally aware of the challenge ahead. “Senegal will be there, with or without the crowd. They are strong. Great teams are always there at the end,” Regragui noted.

Forward Eliesse Ben Seghir captured the emotional significance of the moment. “When you’re 20 years old and you see senior players crying after qualifying for a final, you understand how important it is — for them and for the country,” he said.

One trophy, two ambitions

When the final whistle sounds in Rabat, Africa will crown its new champion. Both teams are chasing a second continental title — one propelled by history and home expectation, the other by sustained excellence and belief.

Only one will prevail.

Road to the Final

Morocco

• Group A: Seven points (wins vs Zambia, Mali; draw)
• Round of 16: Morocco 1–0 Tanzania
• Quarter-finals: Morocco 2–0 Cameroon
• Semi-finals: Morocco 0–0 Nigeria (won on penalties)

Senegal

• Group D: Seven points (wins vs Botswana, Benin; draw vs DR Congo)
• Round of 16: Senegal 3–1 Sudan
• Quarter-finals: Senegal 1–0 Mali
• Semi-finals: Senegal 1–0 Egypt

Pre-match stat

Senegal will contest their fourth AFCON final and first since 2021, while Morocco reach their second final and first since 2004. When Morocco won the title in 1976, the final stage was decided in a round-robin format.

This is the first AFCON meeting between the two nations but their 32nd encounter overall. Morocco lead the head-to-head with 18 wins to Senegal’s six, alongside seven draws. Their most recent clash came at the CHAN 2024 semi-final in Uganda, where Morocco advanced on penalties.