Senegal and host nation Morocco will meet in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final on Sunday, January 18, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat in what promises to be a historic encounter between two of African football's powerhouses. This marks the first-ever AFCON meeting between the two nations, despite having faced each other 31 times in other competitions throughout their history.
The Senegalese Football Federation has lodged complaints about the treatment of its national team ahead of the final, criticizing alleged security issues upon arrival in Rabat, problems with accommodation, difficulties at training facilities, and challenges securing fair ticket allocation for supporters. These concerns have added tension to an already highly anticipated match as both teams seek continental glory.
Morocco reached the final after an impressive campaign that saw them top Group A with seven points from three matches before defeating Tanzania 1-0 in the pre-quarterfinals, Cameroon 2-0 in the quarterfinals, and Nigeria 4-2 on penalties in a dramatic semifinal. Real Madrid attacker Brahim Diaz has been the tournament's leading scorer with five goals, providing crucial firepower for the Atlas Lions.
Senegal secured their spot in the final by defeating Egypt in the semifinals, with talisman Sadio Mane scoring the decisive winner. The Lions of Teranga have been led offensively by Pape Gueye and Cherif Ndiaye, both with two goals each, while Mane tops the assist charts with three. However, Senegal will be without defender Kalidou Koulibaly, who is suspended for the final after picking up a booking and may have missed the match regardless due to an injury sustained in the semifinal.
Both nations are chasing their second AFCON title. Morocco last won the tournament 50 years ago in 1976, while Senegal lifted the trophy more recently in 2021. The match kicks off at 7pm GMT, with a capacity crowd of 69,500 expected to fill the stadium in what could be a defining moment for African football as two continental giants battle for supremacy.