AFCON 2025: Senegal and Morocco Set for Historic First-Ever AFCON game in Final Showdown
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final promises a historic and captivating spectacle as Senegal lock horns with host nation Morocco for the first time ever in an AFCON match at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.
Despite both nations being established heavyweights in African football, their paths have never crossed at the continent’s biggest tournament. Instead, their previous encounters have largely come in FIFA World Cup qualifiers and international friendlies, where Morocco hold the historical advantage.
Across 19 previous meetings, the Atlas Lions have claimed 11 victories, while the Teranga Lions have recorded 3 wins, with 5 matches ending in draws.
Beyond the head-to-head statistics, the stakes could not be higher. Both teams are chasing their second AFCON title.
Senegal lifted their maiden crown in 2021 in Cameroon, while Morocco’s lone triumph dates back to 1976, when they conquered the continent on home soil half a century ago.
Interestingly, both nations are appearing in their fourth AFCON final, although Senegal will be contesting their third final in the last four editions, having also reached this stage in 2019 and 2021.
For Morocco, this marks a return to the final after 22 years, their last appearance coming in 2004 in Tunisia, where they finished runners-up to the host nation.
Senegal booked their place in the final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Egypt in the semifinals, courtesy of a decisive strike from Sadio Mané. Morocco, meanwhile, required penalties and the heroics of goalkeeper Yacine Bounou to edge past Nigeria 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw, delighting the home crowd.
The Teranga Lions, however, will be without captain Kalidou Koulibaly, who is suspended for the final—a significant blow to their defensive setup. Nevertheless, Senegal still boast immense quality, with Sadio Mané, Nicolas Jackson, Edouard Mendy, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye all expected to play key roles.
Morocco also parade a star-studded squad. Yacine Bounou remains a commanding presence between the posts, while Achraf Hakimi provides leadership and attacking thrust from full-back. Up front, Brahim Díaz, the tournament’s top scorer, alongside Youssef En-Nesyri, will be relied upon to deliver the goals on the grand stage.
With history on the line and a roaring home crowd expected at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, the stage is set for a titanic AFCON final— one that will see a former king reclaim continental glory.