African eyes turn to Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday, where hosts Morocco face Senegal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, a clash loaded with history and prestige.
Although this is their first-ever meeting at AFCON, the fixture comes with a rich backstory.
Across 31 official and friendly encounters, Morocco enjoy a clearly superior record: 18 wins for the Atlas Lions, six victories for Senegal and seven draws, according to CAF statistics. Recent form between the two also tilts Morocco’s way, with four wins in the last six games and Senegal’s only success in that run coming in a 1–0 friendly back in 2012.
Senegal enter their fourth AFCON final, and first since lifting the trophy in 2021, while Morocco, champions in 1976, appear in the showpiece for just the second time after last reaching it in 2004.
The rivalry has often carried World Cup weight: Morocco famously knocked Senegal out en route to qualifying for the 1970 and 1994 tournaments, while Senegal turned the tables in 2002 by edging Morocco to a ticket on goal difference, adding another layer to an already fascinating final.
