All eyes turn to the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat today, where former champions Senegal will clash with hosts Morocco in what promises to be a thrilling final. Scheduled for a 20:00 local time kick-off on January 18, 2026, this matchup pits two of Africa’s highest-ranked teams against each other in a battle for continental supremacy.
For Morocco, it’s a chance to end a 50-year drought since their sole title in 1976, while Senegal aims to secure another crown after their 2021 triumph.
Both sides have navigated a grueling tournament path to reach this stage, showcasing resilience, tactical acumen, and individual brilliance. Senegal, under coach Pape Thiaw, topped Group D with convincing wins over Botswana (3-0) and Benin (3-0), sandwiched around a 1-1 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In the knockout rounds, the Teranga Lions dispatched Sudan 3-1 in the last 16, edged Mali 1-0 in the quarter-finals, and overcame Egypt in a tense semi-final to book their spot.
They’ve scored 12 goals en route, demonstrating a potent attack while maintaining a solid defensive structure.
Morocco, led by Walid Regragui, has thrived on home soil, leveraging the passionate support of their fans. As hosts, they’ve played all but one match in Rabat, building familiarity with the venue.
Their journey included a narrow 1-0 group-stage win over Tanzania, a 2-0 quarter-final victory over Cameroon, and a dramatic semi-final penalty shootout triumph over Nigeria (4-2 after a 0-0 draw).
The Atlas Lions boast the tournament’s stingiest defense, conceding just one goal—from a penalty—and keeping five clean sheets.
This defensive prowess, combined with 96 goals in their AFCON history, underscores their balanced approach.
Key players will undoubtedly shape the outcome. For Senegal, vice-captain Sadio Mané remains the talisman, with 53 international goals and a knack for big moments, including decisive strikes in past AFCON finals.
Captain Kalidou Koulibaly anchors the backline, bringing leadership from his time at Al-Hilal, while midfield maestro Idrissa Gueye, with 128 caps, provides experience and tenacity.
Emerging stars like Bayern’s striker Nicolas Jackson and Tottenham’s Pape Matar Sarr add dynamism, with Jackson’s pace troubling defenses throughout the tournament.
Morocco counters with a star-studded lineup. Captain Achraf Hakimi, the Paris Saint-Germain right-back, offers an attacking threat from defense, having scored 11 goals in 91 caps.
Forward Youssef En-Nesyri, Fenerbahçe’s goal machine, leads the line with 25 international strikes, including memorable efforts in their 2022 World Cup run.
Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz has been a creative force, netting five goals in the tournament, while goalkeeper Yassine Bounou’s heroics in shootouts could prove pivotal.
Midfielders Azzedine Ounahi and Sofyan Amrabat provide control, blending European club experience with national pride.
Historically, Morocco holds the edge in head-to-head encounters, with 18 wins to Senegal’s six and seven draws across 31 meetings.
The Atlas Lions have won four of the last six clashes, though Senegal’s sole victory in that span came in a 2012 friendly.
This is their first AFCON encounter, adding intrigue to a rivalry often seen in qualifiers.
Senegal’s recent knockout success—reaching three finals in a decade—positions them among Africa’s elite, but Morocco’s home advantage and unbeaten streak could tip the scales.
Tactically, expect a chess match: Senegal’s counter-attacking flair versus Morocco’s possession-based style. The midfield battle between Gueye and Amrabat will be crucial, as will set-pieces, where both teams excel. Injuries are minimal, with full squads available, heightening the anticipation.
A Senegal win would affirm their golden generation’s legacy and potentially set their sights on deeper World Cup runs in 2026.
For Morocco, victory at home would ignite national euphoria, bridge generations, and boost preparations as co-hosts of the 2030 World Cup. Regardless of the result, this final celebrates African football’s vibrancy, with prize money and prestige on the line.
