AFCON 2025 Final: Morocco Face Senegal in Rabat Showdown
On Sunday night in Rabat, African football will take centre stage as the host nation meets a strong challenger in the final of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025.
At the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Morocco will face Senegal in a final that promises excitement, pride and history. Morocco are hoping to end a near 50-year wait for another AFCON title, while Senegal are aiming to strengthen their status as one of Africa’s top teams.
After a month of thrilling matches that have highlighted the quality of African football, the tournament will end with a final worthy of the occasion.
Morocco carry the hopes of a nation
Morocco last won the AFCON in 1976. Almost five decades later, they are close to ending that long wait, supported by home fans and familiar conditions.
However, playing at home also brings pressure. Head coach Walid Regragui admitted that expectation will be a key challenge for his team.
“The team under pressure is Morocco because we are playing at home. That is normal,” Regragui said.
“The most important thing is to manage our emotions. My fear is that we do not play freely because of too much pressure. This is a final, and we must enjoy it.”
Morocco have shown strength and determination throughout the tournament. Their semi-final win over Nigeria on penalties proved their ability to stay calm under pressure, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou playing a decisive role.
Senegal arrive with confidence
Senegal go into the final with calm confidence. Over the years, the Lions of Teranga have become regular contenders at major tournaments, often reaching the semi-finals and finals.
Defender Moussa Niakhaté said success is now expected in the Senegal camp.
“Reaching the semi-finals is almost the minimum for Senegal, and reaching the final has become normal for us,” he said.
“At the end, there will be only one winner: Morocco or Senegal.”
Senegal won the AFCON in 2021 and have already done better than at the last edition, where they were knocked out in the Round of 16. Since the start of this tournament, they have shown discipline, experience and hunger.
Respect comes before rivalry
Both teams have spoken with respect ahead of the final. Senegal coach Pape Thiaw said the match is about more than just winning.
“The image of Africa is important,” Thiaw said.
“Playing the host nation is always difficult because of the crowd, but on the pitch it is 11 against 11.”
Thiaw knows how to win on the continent, having led Senegal to the CHAN title in 2023.
Morocco coach Regragui also praised Senegal.
“Senegal will be strong, with or without the crowd. Great teams always reach the final,” he said.
Young forward Eliesse Ben Seghir spoke about the emotional importance of the final.
“When you see experienced players crying after reaching the final, you understand how important it is for them and for the country,” he said.
One trophy, two dreams
When the final whistle blows in Rabat, Africa will crown a new champion. Both teams are chasing their second AFCON title — Morocco driven by history and home pride, Senegal by consistency and ambition.
Only one team will lift the trophy.
Road to the Final
Morocco
Group A: Top with seven points (wins vs Zambia and Mali, one 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: Top with seven points (wins vs Botswana and 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 are playing in their fourth AFCON final and their first since 2021. Morocco are appearing in their second final and their first since 2004. When Morocco won the AFCON in 1976, the competition ended in a round-robin format with no final match.
This will be the first AFCON meeting between both teams and their 32nd meeting overall. Senegal have six wins, Morocco have 18, with seven draws. Their last meeting was at the CHAN 2024 semi-final in Uganda, where Morocco won on penalties.
