Morocco coach Walid Regragui has praised Senegal ahead of Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, describing the upcoming encounter as “an incredible final” between two of Africa’s best teams.
Speaking at a press conference following Morocco’s semi-final victory over Nigeria, Regragui reflected on the magnitude of the match, scheduled for 7:00 PM GMT at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
“This is an incredible final, pitting the two best teams in Africa over the last three years against each other,” Regragui said. “If, at the start of this AFCON, you had told me we would be playing against Senegal in the final, I would have said, ‘Wow, it’s going to be tough,’ because they are a very good team with a good coach. They are wonderful people. I love Senegal. They are like brothers to Moroccans.”
Regragui highlighted the significance of the final not only for the teams involved but also for African football as a whole.
“For me, this is excellent for the AFCON, for the promotion of African football, with this confrontation between the two best teams on the continent,” Regragui added.
Morocco, who advanced to the final after a tense semi-final that went the full 120 minutes, face a physical challenge as they prepare to meet Senegal, who played a shorter 90-minute match in their semi-final.
“We need to recover well, because we played 120 minutes, compared to only 90 for Senegal. We have three days of rest to recover properly. We hope to win the final,” Regragui said.
The Moroccan coach also acknowledged the historic nature of the match, noting that his team has never faced Senegal in an AFCON final.
“It will be the first time we have faced Senegal in a final. With our supporters, we hope to make history,” he said.
Regragui’s comments reflect both respect for the opposition and confidence in his own squad’s ability to rise to the occasion.
His remarks emphasized the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie between Morocco and Senegal, while also underscoring the ambition to claim the continental title on home soil.
With the final approaching, Morocco’s preparations are focused on recovery, tactical refinement, and harnessing the support of the home crowd.
The clash promises to be a showcase of skill, discipline, and national pride as the two African powerhouses compete for the 2025 AFCON crown.
For fans across the continent, the Morocco-Senegal final represents a celebration of African football at its highest level, combining history, rivalry, and mutual respect in a match that could define the careers of players and coaches alike.
