This Sunday, the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat will roar as Morocco hosts Senegal in the final of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations. The match concludes a four-week festival of football that has displayed the finest talent the continent has to offer.
A Final Steeped in Significance and Pressure
For Morocco, this final represents far more than just a trophy. Victory would end a 50-year wait for their second continental title, providing tangible validation for the kingdom's massive investment in football infrastructure. This tournament serves as a crucial test run for its role as a co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, and it is likely to get another major rehearsal by hosting the 2028 edition, which has been brought forward a year.
Few nations on the continent possess the capability to stage such an event at short notice. Morocco's heavy spending on stadia and transport is further evidenced by its commitment to host three successive Women's Africa Cup tournaments, with the third beginning on 17 March.
Standing in their way are the Teranga Lions of Senegal, the 2021 champions who are also pursuing a second title. It sets the stage for a monumental duel between the Atlas Lions and their Senegalese counterparts.
Key Battles and Team News
The final is a meeting of the continent's top-ranked sides, with world number 11 Morocco facing number 19 Senegal. Both have navigated the tournament to reach this point, with Morocco enjoying fervent home support in the 69,500-capacity venue where they have played all six of their matches. For Senegal, who played every previous game in Tangier, this is their first match in a different stadium.
Morocco's Brahim Díaz has been the undisputed star, scoring in each of his team's first five games. Another goal in the final would see him join legend Ahmed Faras as Morocco's joint-top scorer in a single AFCON tournament. Senegal's hopes rest heavily on the shoulders of Sadio Mané. The two-time African Footballer of the Year has created 18 chances, more than any other player, and scored his 11th AFCON goal in the semi-final. This final is likely to be his last appearance in the competition.
Defensively, both teams have been formidable. Morocco has conceded just one goal—a penalty in the group stage. Senegal's rearguard, marshalled by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, has only let in two goals and has kept 15 clean sheets in its last 22 AFCON matches.
However, Senegal will be severely weakened by suspension. Captain Kalidou Koulibaly is ruled out due to an accumulation of yellow cards, marking the second final he will miss through suspension. Midfielder Habib Diarra is also banned. Morocco has no such concerns, entering the final with a full squad available.
Beyond the Final: The World Cup Horizon
Both finalists have already secured their places at the 2026 World Cup in North America, but their paths there are marked by contrasting circumstances. Senegal faces a significant hurdle off the pitch, as a travel ban imposed by the US administration may prevent its supporters from attending the team's first two matches against France and Norway in New Jersey.
Morocco, drawn in Group C with Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland, will not be impacted by this ban. The focus for now, however, remains squarely on Sunday's historic final in Rabat, where a continent will watch to crown its champion.
