Morocco have received a major boost ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final following confirmation that Senegal will be without two key players for the title decider.
The Atlas Lions secured their place in the final after edging Nigeria on penalties following a goalless draw at the end of regulation time in the semi-finals. Their opponents, Senegal, also booked their spot in the final with a narrow 1-0 victory over Egypt.
Ahead of the showdown, Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly and midfielder Habib Diarra have both been ruled out of the final after picking up their second yellow cards of the tournament during Wednesday’s semi-final against Egypt.
The suspensions are expected to work in Morocco’s favour as they prepare to face the reigning champions in the final of the competition.
Kalidou Koulibaly, with his experience, has been a rock at the back for the Lions of Teranga throughout the tournament. While Senegal will have an equally good replacement for him, he will be a big miss in the heart of their defense.
The AFCON 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal is scheduled to take place next Sunday at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with kick-off set for 19:00GMT.
