Morocco head into Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal hoping a passionate home crowd in Rabat can help end a 50-year wait for a continental title.
The Atlas Lions have become Africa’s standard-bearers since their historic run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals and arrive as tournament favourites.
Ranked 11th in the world, above Italy, Morocco are captained by African Footballer of the Year Achraf Hakimi and have not lost since exiting the 2024 AFCON to South Africa in the last 16. That status has brought huge pressure, with the team even booed earlier in the group stage at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium before winning over demanding supporters with dominant knockout performances.
Coach Walid Regragui, often criticised despite consistent success, insists Morocco must now turn respect into silverware, calling Sunday’s final crucial for the country’s football history.
Standing in their way is a seasoned Senegal side chasing a second AFCON crown, led by Sadio Mané in what he says will be his last tournament appearance, although they will miss suspended captain Kalidou Koulibaly in a tight clash between two elite defences.
