AFCON 2025 Final: Senegal to face Morocco for Continental Crown in Rabat

The biggest match in African football is now locked in. After two dramatic semi-finals, Senegal and Morocco have booked their places in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, setting up a heavyweight showdown between two of the continent’s most in-form teams.

The title decider will take place on Sunday, January 18, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm ET.

It promises to be a night of high drama, elite talent and national pride, as the reigning African champions face the host nation in front of a packed stadium.

How Senegal and Morocco reached the Final

Senegal arrived at the final after another commanding display of tournament football. The Teranga Lions edged Egypt 1–0 in the semi-finals, once again showing their ability to win tight matches on the biggest stage.

Related Article: AFCON 2025: Senegal book final spot with 1–0 win over Egypt

The contest also revived the famous rivalry between Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané, former Liverpool teammates who have become icons for their respective countries. This time, it was Mané and Senegal who emerged on top, sending the African champions back into the AFCON final.

Morocco, meanwhile, had to dig deep in a tense battle against Nigeria. The Atlas Lions were pushed to their limits but held their nerve in a penalty shoot-out, sending their fans into celebration and setting up a dream final on home soil.

Related Article: AFCON 2025: Morocco beat Nigeria on penalties to reach final

Led by stars like Achraf Hakimi and driven by a passionate home crowd, Morocco have turned pressure into momentum throughout the knockout stages.

Inside the AFCON 2025 Final Venue

The final will be played at the impressive Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, one of Morocco’s flagship football venues.

Opened in September 2025, the stadium holds around 67,500 spectators, making it the second-largest in the country. It features a natural grass pitch and is set to become the permanent home of Morocco’s national team.

The venue also carries global significance, as it has been selected as one of the stadiums for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host. Hosting the AFCON final is another major milestone in its short history.

What is at stake

For Morocco, Sunday’s final is a chance to win only their second AFCON title and to do it in front of their own fans. With a generation of players now competing at the highest level in Europe, lifting the trophy at home would be a defining moment for Moroccan football.

Senegal, on the other hand, are chasing their place in history. After winning their first AFCON crown in 2021, they have now reached the final in three of the last four tournaments. Victory in Rabat would confirm the Teranga Lions as the dominant force in African football of this era.

Two elite teams. One trophy. One night in Rabat.
African football’s biggest stage is ready.

SportsLigue