AFCON 2025 Final: Morocco Host Senegal in Bid to End 50-Year Title Drought
Short Summary
Morocco face Senegal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday, January 18, at 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT) in Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Hosts Morocco, chasing their first title since 1976, rely on stars Brahim Diaz and Achraf Hakimi amid massive home pressure. Senegal, winners in 2021 (played in 2022), aim for their second crown, led by Sadio Mané. The build-up has been overshadowed by Senegal's complaints over security, accommodation, and fairness. This is the first-ever AFCON meeting between the sides. Senegal miss suspended captain Kalidou Koulibaly.
Long Summary
The 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations reaches its climax with hosts Morocco taking on Senegal in the final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday, January 18, kicking off at 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT).
Morocco, ranked 11th globally, are under immense pressure to deliver their second continental title and end a 50-year drought since their sole triumph in 1976. Supported by fervent home crowds throughout the tournament, the Atlas Lions have been dominant, conceding just one goal and remaining unbeaten for two years. Brahim Diaz has been the tournament's standout, scoring in each of Morocco's first five games, while Achraf Hakimi has excelled in the knockouts after recovering from injury.
Senegal, ranked 19th and winners of the previous edition in 2021 (hosted and played in 2022), are chasing their second AFCON crown. Two-time African Footballer of the Year Sadio Mané remains the focal point, having created a tournament-high 18 chances in what is likely his final AFCON appearance. Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has been imperious, conceding only twice, with Iliman Ndiaye and teenage PSG forward Ibrahim Mbaye emerging as key attacking supports.
Controversy has marked the build-up, with the Senegalese Football Federation lodging a formal complaint to CAF citing inadequate security upon arrival in Rabat, problems with accommodation and training facilities, and unfair ticket allocation for supporters. They demanded immediate measures to ensure "fair play and equal treatment."
This final marks the first AFCON encounter between the two nations despite 31 previous meetings (Morocco winning 18). Both sides played all prior matches in the same venue—Morocco in Rabat, Senegal in Tangier—fueling further fairness concerns from the West Africans.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Senegal will be without suspended captain Kalidou Koulibaly (yellow card accumulation) and midfielder Habib Diarra. Koulibaly also missed the 2019 final through suspension.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Mendy; Diatta, Sarr, Niakhate, Diouf; Diarra, I. Gueye, P. Gueye; Ndiaye, Jackson, Mané
Morocco continue to miss injured midfielders Azzedine Ounahi (calf) and Romain Saiss (muscle).
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Bono; Hakimi, Aguerd, Masina, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui; Diaz, El Khannouss, Saibari, Ezzalzouli; El Kaabi
Both countries have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A high-stakes "duel of lions" awaits as the Atlas Lions and Teranga Lions vie for African football's ultimate prize.