The final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 will pit two symbols of modern African football against each other when Senegal face hosts Morocco in Rabat on Sunday.
It is a showdown shaped by contrasting journeys but shared ambition — Senegal, the reigning champions seeking to cement an era of dominance, and Morocco, the hosts aiming to crown years of progress with continental glory on home soil.
Senegal chasing sustained supremacy
Senegal have become the benchmark of consistency in African football over the past decade, and their presence in Sunday’s final confirms that status.
This will be Senegal’s fourth AFCON final, and their third in the last four editions, following appearances in 2019, 2021 and now 2025.
After finally lifting the trophy in Cameroon four years ago, the Lions of Teranga are bidding to prove that success was not a one-off.
Their route to the final has been built on balance rather than brilliance. Senegal have scored in every match at the tournament, conceded just twice, and shown an ability to manage tight knockout games — edging past Sudan, Mali and Egypt with authority rather than drama.
At the heart of it all is Sadio Mané, whose decisive semi-final strike against Egypt underlined his enduring influence. Senegal have lost just one AFCON match in their last 22, a statistic that reflects a team comfortable with pressure and expectation.
Morocco’s home dream gathers momentum
Morocco arrive at the final driven by belief, history and the power of home support.
The Atlas Lions are appearing in only their second AFCON final, and their first since 2004, when they finished runners-up to Tunisia. Their last continental title came in 1976 — nearly half a century ago — making Sunday’s occasion one of the most significant nights in Moroccan football history.
Morocco’s campaign has been defined by defensive excellence. They have conceded just one goal, kept five clean sheets and relied on collective discipline to navigate a demanding path to the final.
Their semi-final victory over Nigeria, secured on penalties after a goalless draw, showcased both resilience and composure — with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerging as the hero in front of a tense Rabat crowd.
For head coach Walid Regragui, the final represents another milestone following Morocco’s historic run to the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar in 2022, when they became the first African nation to reach the last four of the global tournament.
West Africa vs North Africa — a familiar final theme
Sunday’s final continues a long-standing AFCON tradition, with West African and North African teams meeting for the ninth time in the tournament’s showpiece match.
The rivalry has been evenly balanced across history, and Senegal’s recent final appearances against Algeria in 2019 and Egypt in 2021 underline how fine the margins can be at this level.
For Senegal, this will be their first AFCON final against a host nation. For Morocco, it is a chance to join a select group of hosts who have lifted the trophy — something last achieved by Côte d’Ivoire in 2023.
What is at stake on Sunday
Beyond the silverware, Sunday’s final represents a defining moment for both nations.
Victory for Senegal would confirm a golden era and deliver a second AFCON title in five years.
For Morocco, triumph would end a 49-year wait, reward years of investment and elevate a generation already celebrated for redefining African football on the global stage.
Under the lights in Rabat, belief, patience and nerve will decide who writes the final chapter of AFCON 2025 — and who must wait longer for continental glory.
