AFCON 2025 Final: Morocco vs Senegal – Full Preview, H2H, Broadcast Info, Quotes and Key Players

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui says his mission is to “bring unbridled joy” to the nation as the Atlas Lions prepare to face Senegal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday, January 18.

Kick-off: 9pm CAT (SA, GMT+2)

Current Form

Morocco enter the final carrying the hopes of a nation desperate to end a 50-year wait for AFCON glory. With home support behind them and remarkable momentum, this represents their best opportunity to lift the trophy since their lone triumph in 1976.

Regragui’s men were outstanding in their semi-final, delivering a defensive masterclass to neutralise the tournament’s top scorers, Nigeria. They restricted the Super Eagles to just two shots in 120 minutes, ultimately winning the shootout 4–2 after a goalless draw.

Their semi-final triumph also extended an extraordinary period of dominance. Morocco set a new African record of 16 consecutive wins in October 2025 and will walk into the final unbeaten in 26 matches.

Sunday’s clash brings the two best defences of AFCON 2025 head‑to‑head. Morocco have conceded one goal in six matches, while Senegal have shipped two.

Senegal endured a tougher path to the final. Pape Thiaw’s side had to dig deep to break down a defensive Egypt, securing a narrow 1–0 win in the semifinal. The reigning 2021 champions also edged Mali by the same scoreline in the quarter-finals, but earlier in the competition demonstrated their attacking firepower with three goals each against Sudan, Benin and Botswana.

What Was Said

Pape Thiaw on Sadio Mané

“The only thing I know is that we need him — Senegal needs him. That’s what he showed again against Egypt. A gentleman like Sadio Mané, you don’t find one all the time… I hope this won’t be his last final.”

Walid Regragui on Facing Senegal

“It’s a superb final with the best African teams of the last three years… It’s the first time we’ve faced them in a final. The most important thing is that Morocco is in the final, I need to focus on bringing it home together.”

Players to Watch

Senegal – Sadio Mané

Mané confirmed ahead of the final that this will be his last AFCON, giving the occasion added emotion. The 33‑year‑old proved decisive yet again with the semifinal winner against Egypt. He now sits on 11 AFCON goals and has two goals in the current tournament, including one against DR Congo in the group stage.

Morocco – Brahim Díaz

Díaz has been the standout star of the competition, scoring in each of Morocco’s first five matches to set a new AFCON record. The 26‑year‑old leads the Golden Boot race and was Morocco’s brightest attacking spark against Nigeria before fatigue saw him withdrawn in extra time.