Morocco and Senegal are set to clash in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Sunday evening at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The highly anticipated encounter will determine the new champions of African football after an intense tournament.
Morocco booked their place in the final after edging past Nigeria on penalties in the semi-finals, while Senegal secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Egypt to advance.
The final is scheduled to kick off at 9 pm Cairo time in the Moroccan capital, with both sides expected to field strong lineups for the occasion.
According to sources, head coach Walid Regragui is set to maintain continuity by naming the same Atlas Lions lineup for a fourth consecutive match.
The Moroccan tactician has relied on this formation in successive games against Tanzania, Cameroon and Nigeria, and is not expected to make any changes for the final. Yassine Bounou is expected to start in goal, with Achraf Hakimi, Nayef Aguerd, Adam Masina and Noussair Mazraoui forming the defensive line.
Senegal, on the other hand, is expected to make two changes to the lineup that started the semi-final victory over Egypt. Head coach Pape Thiaw has been forced into adjustments due to suspensions picked up in the last match.
Mamadou Sarr is expected to replace Kalidou Koulibaly, who is unavailable after receiving a yellow card against Egypt, while Lamine Camara is set to come in for Habib Diarra, who is also suspended.
Morocco’s expected starting eleven
Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou.
Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Nayef Aguerd, Adam Masina, Noussair Mazraoui.
Midfielders: Nael El Aynaoui, Bilal El Khannous, Brahim Diaz, Ismail Sibari, Abdel Samad El Zalzouli
Attack: Ayoub El Kaabi
Senegal’s expected starting eleven
Goalkeeper: Edouard Mendy.
Defenders: Krepin Diatta, Mamadou Sarr, Moussa Niakhaté, Malick Diouf.
Midfielders: Idrissa Djana Gueye, Pape Gueye, Lamine Kamara.
Forwards: Sadio Mane, Nicholas Jackson, Elman Ndiaye
