Hosts Morocco head into the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final with renewed optimism, boosted by the confirmed absences of Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly and midfielder Habib Diarra, who will miss Sunday’s clash after picking up their second yellow cards in the semi-final against Egypt.
The Atlas Lions booked their place in the final following a tense 4-2 penalty shootout win over Nigeria on home soil at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Youssef En-Nesyri calmly slotted the decisive spot-kick after goalkeeper Yassine Bounou denied Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, sending the Moroccan faithful into raptures.
The semi-final itself was cagey, with both sides creating few clear chances. Morocco’s tournament top scorer, Brahim Diaz, squandered the hosts’ best opportunity just before the half-hour mark, misjudging a header from Achraf Hakimi’s well-delivered cross.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s attacking stars, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, struggled to make an impact, with Lookman’s first-half strike from outside the area comfortably saved.
The victory sets up Morocco’s first AFCON final appearance since 2004, with the hosts chasing their first continental crown since 1976.
Walid Regragui’s side will now face a Senegal team that edged Egypt 1-0 in Wednesday’s first semi-final, a matchup made slightly more favourable by the absence of two key Senegalese players.
Morocco will remain in Rabat to prepare for Sunday’s 19:00 GMT kickoff, aiming to capitalise on the home advantage and end a 49-year wait for their second Africa Cup of Nations title.
