Africa’s two dominant forces meet on Sunday night as Senegal and Morocco go head-to-head in the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat.
Tournament hosts Morocco are chasing a long-awaited second continental crown, aiming to end a 50-year title drought. Walid Regragui’s side arrive in the final in formidable form, unbeaten in their last 26 matches since their round-of-16 exit at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.
Standing in their path is a dangerous Senegal outfit led by talisman Sadio Mané. The Teranga Lions have been one of the tournament’s most potent attacking sides, scoring 12 goals on their route to the final.
Morocco booked their place with a penalty shoot-out victory over Nigeria in the semi-finals, while Senegal edged past Egypt to set up a blockbuster finale.
Match details
The final between Senegal and Morocco will kick off at 19:00 GMT on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
The match will be staged at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
How to watch
All matches at the tournament have been shown across Channel 4’s network. The AFCON final will be broadcast live on E4, with coverage beginning at 18:30 GMT ahead of kick-off.
SuperSport will also provide live coverage from 17:00 GMT, while fans can follow minute-by-minute updates on AfricaSoccer.com’s live blog.
Team news
Senegal’s impressive injury record took a hit in the semi-final against Egypt, leaving head coach Pape Thiaw with selection concerns. Captain Kalidou Koulibaly will miss the final after picking up a suspension and was also withdrawn with an apparent groin problem.
Midfielder Habib Diarra is also suspended following a booking for dissent. Thiaw may opt for fresh legs after his side looked laboured in the semi-final, with Nicolas Jackson under scrutiny after a difficult outing against Egypt’s defence.
Morocco, by contrast, reported no injury issues or suspensions from their semi-final win over Nigeria. Although the Atlas Lions controlled large spells of that contest, their lack of cutting edge could prompt Regragui to tweak his starting line-up.
Prediction
Morocco boast a formidable home record, having not lost on home soil since November 2009, when Cameroon defeated them in World Cup qualifying. That run could prove decisive as they attempt to finally reclaim the African title on home ground.
However, Senegal possess a squad packed with match-winners, none more influential than Mané, whose leadership has been crucial throughout the tournament.
Prediction: Senegal to win 1–0.
Head-to-head
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Senegal wins: 7
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Morocco wins: 18
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Draws: 6
Match odds
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Senegal to lift the trophy: 11/8
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Morocco to lift the trophy: 1/2
