All roads lead to Rabat as hosts Morocco face Senegal in the AFCON 2025 final, a historic clash that will crown Africa’s new champions under intense pressure and global attention.
African football reaches its biggest moment on Sunday night when Morocco take on Senegal in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025.
The blockbuster showdown will be staged at the iconic Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, with millions of fans across the continent glued to their screens.
For Morocco, this is more than just a final. It is a chance to end a painful wait that has stretched nearly 50 years.
The Atlas Lions last lifted the AFCON trophy in 1976, and playing on home soil has reignited belief that history can finally be rewritten.
However, with home advantage comes heavy pressure, and managing expectations could be the deciding factor.
Head coach Walid Regragui has already admitted the burden his team carries. Morocco have shown grit throughout the tournament, especially in the semi-final where they edged Nigeria on penalties.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou once again proved his big-match mentality, keeping Morocco alive when it mattered most.
Senegal, on the other hand, arrive in Rabat with quiet confidence. The Lions of Teranga have built a reputation as Africa’s most consistent side over the last decade.
AFCON finals are no longer new territory for them. As champions in 2021, Senegal see this match as an opportunity to reclaim their crown and further cement their dominance.
Defender Moussa Niakhaté summed up the mood in the Senegal camp, noting that reaching the latter stages of AFCON has become an expectation rather than an achievement.
Their journey in Morocco has been marked by discipline, tactical maturity, and hunger to win again.
Despite the stakes, there is clear mutual respect between the two teams. Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has stressed that beyond the trophy, Africa’s image is also on the line, calling for a competitive but respectful final.
Head-to-Head and History
Interestingly, this will be the first-ever AFCON meeting between Morocco and Senegal. Across all competitions, the two sides have met 31 times, with Morocco holding the edge with 18 wins compared to Senegal’s six, while seven matches ended in draws.
Their most recent encounter came in the CHAN 2024 semi-final, which Morocco won on penalties.
Team News
Senegal will be without captain Kalidou Koulibaly and midfielder Habib Diarra due to suspension after accumulating yellow cards.
Morocco also have injury concerns, with Azzedine Ounahi ruled out and defender Romain Saiss sidelined after picking up a muscle injury earlier in the tournament.
Predicted Lineups
Senegal: Mendy; Diatta, Sarr, Niakhaté, Diouf; Diarra, I. Gueye, P. Gueye; Ndiaye, Jackson, Mané
Morocco: Bounou; Hakimi, Aguerd, Masina, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui; Diaz, El Khannouss, Saibari, Ezzalzouli; El Kaabi
Kickoff Time and Where to Watch
The AFCON 2025 final kicks off at 10:00 PM Kenyan time. Fans in Kenya can watch the match live on SuperSport TV and Azam TV.
One trophy, two nations, and contrasting motivations. Morocco are driven by a nation’s long-awaited dream, while Senegal chase sustained excellence and legacy. When the final whistle blows in Rabat, Africa will have a new champion and a new chapter in AFCON history will be written.
