AFCON 2025 final: Major blow for Senegal ahead of showdown with Morocco | OneFootball

AFCON 2025: Senegal forced into last-minute change before the final

Senegal / @x.com/kkoulibaly26

The Senegalese national team has been forced to make a surprise change to its starting eleven just minutes before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco, following confirmation that Krépin Diatta is ruled out.

Originally set to start and having delivered a convincing tournament, the Senegalese winger was forced to withdraw just hours before kick-off. His absence has compelled the Lions of Teranga’s coaching staff, led by Pape Thiaw, to make a defensive adjustment.

To fill the gap, the head coach has decided to put his trust in Antoine Mendy. The OGC Nice player will slot in at right-back and, in doing so, will make his first appearance of this AFCON edition, having not featured in any previous matches of the tournament.

The AFCON 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco will kick off this Sunday at 19:00 (GMT) at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.