Morocco is set to face Senegal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday, with the Atlas Lions aiming to end a 50-year wait for their second continental crown.
The final kicks off at 19:00 GMT at the iconic Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The North Africans have been in sensational form throughout the tournament, remaining unbeaten in 26 matches since their last-16 exit at the 2023 finals in Ivory Coast. They have conceded just one goal, from the penalty spot, and boast the tournament’s best defensive record.
For Morocco, victory would not only bring continental glory but also justify the massive investment made in football infrastructure across the country.
Senegal, the 2021 AFCON champions, arrive in Rabat hungry to defend their reputation as one of Africa’s top sides. They have scored 12 goals en route to the final and will test Morocco’s near-impenetrable defence. The Teranga Lions are also chasing a second AFCON crown, hoping to emulate Morocco’s dream of continental glory.
“This trophy has been awaited for 50 years now,” Morocco defender Romain Saiss told the BBC World Service. “It’s the dream of all Moroccans.”
In addition to the honour, the champions will take home $10 million in prize money, up $3 million from the previous edition.
The final also continues the recent trend of African coaches leading the winners, with Morocco’s Walid Regragui and Senegal’s Pape Thiaw following in the footsteps of Djamel Belmadi (Algeria, 2019), Aliou Cissé (Senegal, 2021), and Emerse Fae (Ivory Coast, 2023).
The stage is set for a historic showdown between North Africa’s finest and West Africa’s pride. Will Morocco finally lift the trophy at home, or will Senegal spoil the party?
Follow all the action in Rabat on Africasoccer.
