Senegal defender Moussa Niakhaté exuded calm confidence on the eve of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final, underlining his team’s readiness and ambition as they prepare to face Morocco.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Niakhaté reflected on the excitement within the squad ahead of the decisive match. “
The team is happy and really excited just hours before this final, this prestigious AFCON. It’s a competition we’ve been waiting for for months.
Tomorrow is the final, we just can’t wait. We’ll be ready,” he said, projecting the composure of a squad fully aware of what lies ahead.
Niakhaté also highlighted Senegal’s remarkable consistency at the continental level.
The defender noted that reaching four consecutive AFCON finals demonstrates the sustained quality of Senegalese football.
“It shows the consistency of Senegalese football. Reaching the final in four consecutive editions is very impressive, it’s exceptional
. When you see the level of our opponents and the major African nations that are improving, you realize it’s not easy.
It’s the result of long-term work that began 10 or 15 years ago,” he explained, paying tribute to the program that has built the team’s competitive edge.
Acknowledging the smooth transition under a new coach, Niakhaté credited both leadership continuity and the experience of veteran players for the squad’s cohesion.
“The coach has taken over well after Aliou Cissé’s departure. It’s also thanks to the players who want to join this national team with their hearts.
The veterans provide excellent guidance. They have experienced more difficult times and share their experience of African football with us,” he said, emphasizing the balance between youth and experience.
Niakhaté concluded by expressing Senegal’s ambition to secure their second AFCON title. “The semi-finals have become a minimum for Senegal, the final a habit.
We have only won it once, and that is something we want to correct tomorrow by winning this Africa Cup,” he stated, underlining the team’s hunger for success.
As Senegal prepares to face Morocco, Niakhaté’s remarks signal a confident and unified squad, determined to etch their names into African football history.
