Senegal legend El-Hadji Diouf is confident the Teranga Lions have what it takes to overcome hosts Morocco in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final.
The two continental heavyweights will meet at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in the showpiece match of the 2025 AFCON, with both sides chasing further glory.
Speaking to Le Parisien, Diouf, now a sporting adviser to the Senegalese national team, acknowledged Morocco’s home advantage but insisted Senegal are well equipped for the challenge.
“It’s well-balanced. Morocco will play at home, but we’ve got real men,” he said.
“This is the dream final, a celebration of African football between the two best teams in recent years. Let’s savor it and show the world that the Africa Cup of Nations is the greatest competition out there.”
The former African Footballer of the Year also reflected on the long-term planning that has underpinned Senegal’s rise to the top of the continent.
“I knew the huge efforts made since 2002, with a focus on youth development, would eventually pay off. We’ve been preparing the future of Senegalese football for a long time. We’ve maintained continuity since our quarter-final loss to Cameroon in 2017. Then we played the 2019 final and clinched the title in 2022,” Diouf explained.
Diouf highlighted the blend of experience and youth within the current squad, naming Édouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gana Gueye and Sadio Mané as the core that has helped integrate younger players.
“Youngsters have come in, but there was already a core group to welcome them: Édouard Mendy, Koulibaly, Gana Gueye, and Sadio Mané. We’ve mixed wisdom with youthful exuberance. Senegal is now a Molotov cocktail that can hurt any team.”
Kick-off for the final is scheduled for 19:00 GMT.
