The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, which pits Morocco against Senegal on Sunday evening, will not be decided by individual skills alone, but also by tactical prowess, where the smallest detail could tip the scales in favor of one side or the other.
In a thrilling encounter, Morocco and Senegal will battle it out for the covetous trophy at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with victory crucial to securing the title.
The Atlas Lions are chasing their second AFCON title just as Senegal, who last won the trophy in 2021 in Cameroon.
Between two disciplined and experienced teams, strategic choices, and their effective execution on the field, will be a decisive factor in the course of the match.
The North African outfit will aim to impose a controlled tempo, based on balanced possession and a well-organized defense.
Morocco have demonstrated a clear ability to close down spaces and limit the opponent’s movement, an element that will be crucial against a Senegalese team adept at quick transitions, in order to avoid any imbalance.
A fierce battle is expected in midfield, as Morocco will try to control the center of the pitch and build smooth play through passing, while Senegal will rely on physical strength and high-pressing tackles to dominate this central area of the field, which would give them a clear advantage in creating scoring opportunities. For their part, the full-backs will play a pivotal role in this final. Morocco relies on the attacking runs of its defenders to create numerical superiority, while Senegal exploits speed and depth on the flanks.
The solidity of the defense on both sides, along with the quality of crosses, will be two elements that could decide the outcome of the match.
Set pieces are also likely to play a decisive role. The Senegalese team is one of the most dangerous in the air, making them a constant threat. Morocco, which is also effective in this area, must maintain the highest levels of concentration and efficiency.
Thus, the Morocco-Senegal final resembles a true chess match, where the two teams will clash.
