The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has reached its climactic finish, with Senegal and host nation Morocco emerging victorious in their semifinal clashes to book a place in Sunday’s final in Rabat.
In a tense and tightly contested semifinal on Wednesday, Senegal edged past seven-time champions Egypt 1–0 at the Tangier Grand Stadium thanks to a late strike from talisman Sadio Mané.
The goal came in the 78th minute, when Mané instinctively fired his shot past Egypt’s goalkeeper after a blocked attempt fell kindly for him, sending the Teranga Lions into the championship match.
The win marked Senegal’s fourth Nations Cup final in the last four editions, reinforcing their status as one of Africa’s dominant footballing powers.
Meanwhile, Morocco sealed their place in the final in dramatic fashion, overcoming Nigeria in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout after a goalless 120 minutes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Neither side could break the deadlock during regular or extra time, setting the stage for spot kicks.
Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was the hero of the night, saving two penalties to give the hosts a 4–2 shootout victory.
Youssef En-Nesyri stepped up to convert the decisive kick, sparking wild celebrations among the crowd.
For Morocco, this final appearance is especially meaningful. The Atlas Lions have not contested an AFCON final since 2004, and they are chasing their first continental title in 50 years—their last triumph coming in 1976.
The semifinal defeat ends Nigeria’s aspirations of lifting the trophy despite entering the match with one of the tournament’s most potent attacks.
Egypt, too, now turn their focus to the third-place playoff ahead of Saturday’s final weekend.
The stage is now set for a blockbuster AFCON final on Sunday (January 18, 2026), where Senegal and Morocco will fight for continental glory in front of a passionate home crowd.
Both teams have shown resilience and tactical discipline throughout the tournament.
Senegal, the defending champions and winners of AFCON 2021, will be aiming to retain their title, while Morocco will be seeking to make history with a long-awaited first championship in half a century.
For fans across Africa, the final represents a clash of two of the continent’s most consistent and formidable sides in recent years—Senegal’s seasoned veterans led by Mané and Morocco’s dynamic squad backed by fervent local support.