Morocco hosts Senegal for the Africa Cup final. Here’s what you need to know

Morocco and Senegal Clash in Africa Cup of Nations Final Amid Hosting Showcase

Morocco and Senegal will battle for continental supremacy on Sunday in the Africa Cup of Nations final, concluding a four-week tournament that has highlighted the best of African football.

The host nation has seized the opportunity to showcase its modern stadiums, playing facilities, and infrastructure as part of its broader preparation to co-host the 2030 World Cup. Morocco’s investment appears to be paying dividends, with the country likely to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations as well, after the Confederation of African Football decided to switch the competition to a four-year cycle to align with FIFA’s calendar.

Morocco’s ability to organize major tournaments at short notice underscores its substantial investments in soccer and transportation infrastructure. The kingdom is also set to host its third consecutive Women’s Africa Cup starting March 17, further cementing its position as a footballing powerhouse on the continent.

Victory on Sunday would end Morocco’s 50-year wait for a second Africa Cup title, potentially validating the nation’s significant financial commitment to sporting development. Meanwhile, Senegal, the 2021 champion, aims for its second title in what promises to be a fierce contest between the Atlas Lions of Morocco and the Teranga Lions of Senegal.

Tensions have emerged in the lead-up to the final, with the Senegalese Football Federation issuing a strongly worded statement less than 48 hours before kickoff. The federation cited concerns about inadequate security upon the team’s arrival at Rabat’s train station, problems with accommodation and training facilities, and difficulties securing a fair ticket allocation for Senegalese supporters.

The final fittingly features Africa’s two highest-ranked teams—Morocco at No. 11 and Senegal at No. 19 in FIFA’s rankings—both expected to rise when the next update is released on Monday. Morocco has enjoyed the advantage of playing all six matches so far at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, bolstered by passionate home support from the 69,500-capacity venue. For Senegal, which played all its previous matches in Tangier, Sunday will mark its first game at a different stadium during this tournament.

Morocco’s Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Díaz has emerged as the tournament’s standout performer, scoring in each of his team’s first five games. One more goal would see him equal Ahmed Faras as Morocco’s joint-top scorer at an Africa Cup. Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi, the 2025 African Footballer of the Year, has also been influential despite missing the first two matches due to an ankle injury, creating 10 scoring chances since his return.

For Senegal, Sadio Mané has been equally impressive, generating 18 chances—the most in the tournament. The two-time African Footballer of the Year found the net against Egypt in the semifinal, bringing his Africa Cup goal tally to 11. This final likely represents Mané’s last opportunity to claim a second continental title with his national team.

Both teams boast formidable defenses. Morocco has conceded just one goal throughout the tournament—a penalty against Mali in the group stage. Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has allowed only two goals and the Teranga Lions have maintained an impressive defensive record, keeping clean sheets in 15 of their last 22 Africa Cup matches.

Senegal will face significant challenges with captain Kalidou Koulibaly unavailable due to an accumulation of yellow cards—his second suspension of the tournament after a red card in the group stage. This continues a streak of bad luck for Koulibaly, who also missed the 2019 final through suspension when Senegal lost to Algeria. Additionally, midfielder Habib Diarra is suspended after receiving a yellow card in the semifinal against Egypt for dissent.

Both nations have qualified for this year’s World Cup, though Senegal fans face uncertainty regarding their ability to attend the team’s first two games in the United States due to travel restrictions imposed by the Trump administration. The Teranga Lions begin their campaign against France in New Jersey on June 16, before facing Norway at the same venue four days later. Their final group match against a playoff winner takes place in Toronto on June 26.

Morocco, drawn in Group C alongside Brazil, Haiti, and Scotland, will not face similar travel restrictions for their supporters.

As these African giants prepare for Sunday’s showdown, the final represents not just a battle for continental glory but also a crucial step in Morocco’s ambitious journey to establish itself as a premier footballing destination on the world stage.