The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 reaches its climax as hosts Morocco face defending champions Senegal in a dream final. Senegal vs Morocco meet in the Africa Cup of Nations final, which is scheduled for a 7 pm GMT kick-off on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
The Atlas Lions, seeking their first title since 1976, leverage home advantage and an unbeaten streak on Moroccan soil dating back to 2009.
The Teranga Lions aim for back-to-back crowns, drawing on their 2021 triumph and recent dominance over North African sides. With stars like Achraf Hakimi and Sadio Mané set to shine, this North vs West Africa showdown promises tactical intrigue and high drama.
In addition to securing their spots in the 2025 AFCON finals, both the Senegal and Morocco men’s national football teams have officially qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
AFCON 2025 Final: Senegal vs Morocco Date, Time, Team News, Team Players and How to Watch
- Teams– Senegal vs Morocco, AFCON Final
- Date: January 18, 2026
- Venue: Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca, Morocco
- Kick-off: 20:00 UTC (21:00 local time)
Path to the Final
- Senegal: The Lions topped their group unbeaten, then edged past Sudan (3-0) in the Round of 16, Mali (1-0) in the quarters, and Egypt (2-1) in a tense semi-final where Mané’s creativity proved decisive. They’ve conceded just two goals, showcasing defensive resilience led by Kalidou Koulibaly.
- Morocco: As hosts, the Atlas Lions cruised through the group stage, dispatching UAE (2-0) in the Round of 16, Cameroon (2-0) in the quarters, and Nigeria (2-1) in the semifinal, with Brahim Díaz shining. Their attack has netted 12 goals, bolstered by home crowds and a balanced squad.
Head-to-head – Senegal vs Morocco
Senegal holds a slight edge in recent clashes, winning three of the last five, including World Cup qualifiers. Morocco’s last victory over Senegal was in 2020 (3-1 friendly).
H2H history and results
- Senegal wins: 7
- Morocco wins: 18
- Draws: 6
Senegal vs Morocco Final Team Players Squad
Senegal Final match Team Players (AFCON 2025 Squad)
- Goalkeepers: Edouard Mendy, Alfred Gomis, Abdoulaye Diallo
- Defenders: Salif Sane, Pape Abou Cisse, Lamine Ba, Youssouf Sabaly, Fode Ballo-Touré, Moussa Niakhate
- Midfielders: Idrissa Gana Gueye, Pape Matar Sarr, Pape Ousmane Sakho, Ismaila Sarr, Pape Alioune Ndiaye
- Forwards: Sadio Mané (Captain), Nicolas Jackson, Habib Diallo, Boulaye Dia, Famara Diedhiou
Morocco Team Players (AFCON 2025 Squad)
- Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou, Ahmed Reda Tagnaout, Anas Zniti
- Defenders: Nayef Aguerd, Romain Saiss, Noussair Mazraoui, Achraf Hakimi, Adam Masina, Badr Benoun
- Midfielders: Sofyan Amrabat, Selim Amallah, Azzedine Ounahi, Hakim Ziyech, Ilias Chair
- Forwards: Youssef En-Nesyri, Ayoub El Kaabi, Walid Cheddira, Zakaria Aboukhlal, Selim Amallah
Key Players to Watch in the Final
Senegal
- Sadio Mané – The captain and main match-winner, capable of deciding the final with pace, dribbling, and big-game experience.
- Edouard Mendy – A reliable presence in goal, especially crucial if the match goes to penalties.
- Idrissa Gana Gueye – Controls midfield tempo with interceptions, tackles, and leadership.
- Nicolas Jackson – Brings speed and direct attacking threat behind the defense.
Morocco
- Achraf Hakimi – A constant danger from right-back with overlapping runs, crosses, and goal threat.
- Hakim Ziyech – Creative force who can unlock defenses with set-pieces and long-range shots.
- Sofyan Amrabat – The engine of the midfield, vital for breaking up play and maintaining structure.
- Youssef En-Nesyri – Strong aerially and clinical in the box, especially dangerous on crosses.
Prediction
Morocco’s home invincibility and tournament form make them favorites, but Senegal’s experience in finals and counter-attacking threat could force extra time. AI models and odds tip Morocco slightly ahead. Expect a low-scoring classic decided by individual brilliance.
Morocco to lift the trophy amid home celebrations.
- Predicted score: Senegal 1-2 Morocco
Where to Watch Senegal vs Morocco
The match streams on CAF platforms, beIN Sports, SuperSport, Eurosport, and ESPN in various regions.
- USA- FOX Sports,
- UK– BBC Sport / BBC iPlayer
- Canada– beIN SPORTS Canada
- Africa– SuperSport (DStv)
- Australia– beIN SPORTS Australia
