AFCON 2025 Final Preview: Morocco vs Senegal – A Night for History

On Sunday night, beneath the glowing lights of Rabat, African football will momentarily hold its breath. A host nation yearning to end a five-decade wait for continental glory meets a powerhouse eager to cement its place among Africa’s elite.

The Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah will serve as the canvas on which a new chapter of African football history is written, as hosts Morocco face Senegal in the final of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025.

The grand finale brings together two of the continent’s finest footballing nations; united by shared history and mutual respect, yet separated by ambition for 90 decisive minutes.

After a month of compelling action that has showcased Africa’s quality both on and off the pitch, the tournament’s signature ending promises a duel worthy of the stage.

It is a night of continental pride, and a relentless pursuit of glory.

Morocco carry the weight of a nation

Morocco have not lifted the AFCON trophy since their historic triumph in 1976. Nearly 50 years later, they stand on the brink of ending that long wait, buoyed by passionate home support and familiarity with their surroundings.

Yet that advantage comes with a burden. Expectation weighs heavily on the shoulders of the Atlas Lions, and while the roar of the crowd may fuel belief, managing pressure will be decisive.

“The team that naturally has the pressure is Morocco. It’s normal — we’re playing at home,” said head coach Walid Regragui in his pre-match press conference.

“For us, the key factor will be managing emotions. My only fear is not playing freely, putting too much pressure on ourselves and starting to think negatively. This is a football match, a final: you have to play it, you have to enjoy it.”

Throughout the tournament, Morocco have shown an ability to grind out results even in the most demanding circumstances. Their semi-final victory over Nigeria via post-match penalties underlined their resilience, composure and capacity to withstand pressure when plans do not unfold as expected, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerging as the hero on the night.

Blending defensive solidity with moments of attacking incision, the Atlas Lions have relied on collective discipline rather than individual brilliance — a formula that has carried them to the brink of history.

Senegal seek to assert an era

Standing in Morocco’s way are Senegal — champions in 2021 and a side built for finals football. Calm, physically imposing and tactically mature, the Teranga Lions arrive in Rabat with belief forged through experience.

For Senegal, this final represents more than a single trophy. Victory would confirm consistency at the highest level and reinforce their status as one of Africa’s dominant forces of the modern era.

Led by a core of players accustomed to pressure at club and international level, Senegal have navigated the tournament with quiet authority. Their defensive organisation, midfield control and ruthless efficiency in key moments have made them one of the competition’s most balanced teams.

Unlike the hosts, Senegal carries no emotional burden — only opportunity.

A final defined by fine margins

Home passion versus hardened experience. Freedom versus expectation. Emotion versus control.

AFCON finals are rarely decided by flair alone. They are shaped by discipline, decision-making and moments of nerve under pressure. One lapse, one save, one decisive action could tilt history.

For Morocco, it is a chance to finally bring continental glory back home.
For Senegal, it is an opportunity to stamp an era.

When the lights shine brightest in Rabat, only one nation will lift the trophy — but African football will once again be the true winner.