Morocco will aim to end a 50-year wait for a second Africa Cup of Nations title when they face Senegal in Sunday’s final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat (19:00 GMT).
The Atlas Lions are not only chasing continental glory but also seeking a return on decades of investment in football infrastructure, from world-class training facilities to stadium renovations and elite youth development programs.
“We are waiting for this trophy for 50 years now,” Morocco defender Romain Saiss told BBC World Service. “It’s been a long time for everyone in the country. It’s the dream of all Moroccans.”
Defensive strength versus attacking firepower
Morocco enter the final boasting the tournament’s best defensive record, conceding just one goal from a penalty, while keeping five clean sheets.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, Africa’s top-rated shot-stopper for a second consecutive year, proved decisive in the semi-final, saving two penalties against Nigeria.
However, Senegal present a formidable challenge, having scored 12 goals en route to the final. The Teranga Lions, aiming for their second AFCON crown following victory in 2021, will be led by talisman Sadio Mané, who scored the winning penalty in that final and is likely playing his last AFCON.
Senegal will be without captain Kalidou Koulibaly and midfielder Habib Diarra due to suspension, but key players such as Edouard Mendy and Idrissa Gana Gueye remain, offering experience and composure.
Alongside Mané, attackers Iliman Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson, Habib Diallo, Ismaila Sarr, and 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye pose a constant goal threat.
A history of investment and youth success
The Moroccan project has been decades in the making. Since King Mohammed VI’s 2008 vision to use football as a vehicle for social and economic development, Morocco has invested heavily in domestic football, with age-grade teams winning multiple international accolades.
The Under-20s claimed the World Cup in October 2025, the Under-23s earned Olympic bronze in Paris 2024, and Morocco’s CHAN and Arab Cup sides have dominated regional competitions.
Yet the senior team has rarely reached the AFCON final, with their only previous appearance ending in a 2-1 defeat to Tunisia in 2004. Coach Walid Regragui, who played in that final, has faced intense scrutiny over his tactics and selection, with the semi-final penalty shootout victory over Nigeria providing a crucial morale boost.
Final details and key players
Morocco’s attack is led by tournament top scorer Brahim Diaz, while captain Achraf Hakimi provides leadership and dynamism. The 69,500-capacity crowd in Rabat, combined with Morocco’s unbeaten home record since 2009, will make for an intimidating atmosphere.
Saiss emphasises focus: “It’s the kind of game where the details will make the difference. We have to keep our concentration, our desire to win and our discipline and try to win on Sunday.”
For Morocco, a 50-year wait hangs in the balance. For Senegal, the Teranga Lions have the chance to spoil the party and cement their legacy as one of Africa’s elite sides.
The stage is set for a final that blends history, national pride, and individual brilliance.
