The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations reaches its climax on Sunday as hosts Morocco face defending champions Senegal in a blockbuster final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 pm GMT, with a capacity crowd of nearly 69,000 expected to rally behind the Atlas Lions as they chase a first AFCON title in 50 years. Morocco, captained by African Player of the Year Achraf Hakimi, are hoping to become the second consecutive host nation to lift the trophy, following Ivory Coast’s triumph in 2024.
Under coach Walid Regragui, Morocco have grown into Africa’s most consistent football force in recent years, highlighted by their historic run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals. Ranked 11th in the world, they boast the tournament’s tightest defence, having conceded just once, and the attacking brilliance of Real Madrid winger Brahim Diaz, who leads the scoring chart with five goals.
Despite their pedigree, Morocco have often struggled at AFCON, with their only previous title coming in 1976. Sunday’s final marks their first appearance in the showpiece match since 2004.
Senegal, led by talismanic forward Sadio Mane, are appearing in their third final in four tournaments and are targeting a second continental crown after their 2022 success. Mane, a two-time African Player of the Year, has hinted that this could be his final AFCON appearance, adding emotional weight to the encounter.
However, the build-up has not been without controversy. Senegal’s Football Federation raised concerns over security arrangements, accommodation, and ticket allocations upon arriving in Rabat, with coach Pape Thiaw describing the situation as unacceptable. Senegal will also be without suspended captain Kalidou Koulibaly.
Despite the distractions, all eyes will be on the pitch as two African heavyweights clash for continental supremacy in what promises to be a thrilling finale.
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