Morocco and Senegal set for blockbuster AFCON final | OneFootball

Host nation Morocco will face Senegal in the final of the 2025/26 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday evening (19:00 GMT).

The match will take place at the newly opened Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco’s brand-new 69,500-capacity arena.

It offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance for the hosts to lift the continental crown for the first time since 1976 in front of a home crowd.

Route to the final

Morroco edged past Tanzania in the last 16, with Achraf Hakimi making his first full appearance after injury and providing the assist for Brahim Díaz to score the match’s only goal.

In the quarter-finals, Walid Regragui’s side delivered a composed performance to see off Cameroon in Rabat. Goals in each half from Díaz and Ismael Saibari secured a comfortable victory in front of a packed home crowd.

Morocco arrive at the final following a tough 0–0 draw against Nigeria that went the full distance, with the hosts advancing on penalties. Morocco held Nigeria to a dismal two shots during the match, something they will hope to repeat against a far more established Senegal attack.

Senegal, however, managed to see off their semi-final opponents Egypt within 90 minutes. They have scored an impressive 12 goals enroute to the final and boast a commanding goal difference of +10.

Senegal began the knockout phase in the last 16 by coming from behind to defeat Sudan 3–1.

In the quarter-finals, they secured a narrow 1–0 victory over Mali. Iliman Ndiaye slotted home the winner before Mali captain Yves Bissouma was sent off on the stroke of half-time, allowing Senegal to see out the contest.

Key players

Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Díaz has been Morocco’s talisman, oozing the class that has seen him rise to the highest level of European football. Díaz has enjoyed a historic tournament, becoming the first Moroccan player to score in five successive AFCON matches, while also leading the tournament in goals.

Moroccan supporters will hope striker Ayoub El Kaabi can rediscover his scoring touch. He netted three times during the group stage but is yet to score in the knockout rounds.

Achraf Hakimi saw a prolonged injury stint come to an end against Zambia at the back end of the group stage. He has looked increasingly sharp, showcasing his talents as one of the top right-backs in world football. A likely matchup with Sadio Mané on Morocco’s right flank should be a crucial match up.

Senegal have looked dangerous in front of goal. Reassuringly, their attacking output has been spread evenly across the squad, with four different players sitting as the team’s joint top scorers, on two goals each – Pape Gueye, Nicolas Jackson, Chérif Ndiaye and captain Mané. Mane, a two-time African Footballer of the Year, who has also provided three assists to complement his goal tally.

Crucially, Senegal will be without captain Kalidou Koulibaly, who is suspended for the final, the second AFCON final of his career he will miss. His absence, along with that of midfielder Habib Diarra, is a blow to their hopes of glory.

While Mamadou Sarr and Lamine Camara impressed after coming on in the semi-final, losing two high-level starters weakens Senegal at the most critical moment.

Who will come out on top?

With one of the most hotly contested and high scoring AFCON tournaments in history drawing to a close, Sunday’s final represents more than just a battle for continental supremacy. It is a showcase of African football’s rise toward competing with the established European and South American super teams on the global stage.

Morocco hope to capitalise on the chance of a historic triumph in front of their home supporters. Senegal meanwhile, look to assert their authority as Africa’s modern standard-bearers by claiming their second title in three editions of Africa’s most prestigious trophy.

All will be decided on Sunday night.

How to watch it

The match will be shown live in the UK on E4 and on the Channel 4 app.