The stage is set for a thrilling Africa Cup of Nations final. Morocco and Senegal will face off on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat after two heart-stopping semi-finals that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Host nation Morocco survived a nerve-wracking penalty shootout against Nigeria, winning 4-2 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes. Meanwhile, Senegal edged past Egypt 1-0 thanks to a brilliant late strike from Sadio Mane, who once again got the better of his former Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah.
What happened in the Morocco vs Nigeria semi-final?
Morocco’s journey to their first AFCON final since 2004 was anything but easy. The Atlas Lions faced a relentless Nigerian side that came into the match as the tournament’s top scorers with 14 goals. But football sometimes comes down to nerves and precision, and Morocco had both when it mattered most.
The match itself was a tactical chess game. Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s star striker, found himself tightly marked throughout the night. Morocco’s defense, led by Achraf Hakimi and Nayef Aguerd, suffocated the Super Eagles’ attack. Neither side could break the deadlock through 90 minutes or even after 30 minutes of extra time.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou became Morocco’s hero in the shootout. The Al Hilal keeper made two crucial saves, denying Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi. Youssef En-Nesyri stepped up to take the final penalty and calmly slotted it into the bottom-left corner, sending the home crowd into absolute pandemonium.
For Nigeria, it’s another heartbreaking penalty exit. They lost to Ivory Coast in the 2024 final and suffered a similar fate in World Cup qualifiers just months ago. The Super Eagles will now face Egypt in the third-place playoff on Saturday.
How did Senegal beat Egypt to reach the final?
The first semi-final was a repeat of the 2021 AFCON final, which Senegal won on penalties. This time around, they didn’t need a shootout.
Sadio Mane scored the decisive goal in the 78th minute with a moment of pure class. After a blocked shot from Lamine Camara, the ball fell kindly to Mane at the edge of the box. The 33-year-old Al-Nassr forward controlled it on his chest before unleashing a powerful strike that went through the legs of defender Yasser Ibrahim and into the bottom corner.
Egypt protested vehemently, claiming Mane handled the ball before his shot. After a VAR review, the goal stood, and Senegal held on for the victory.
Mohamed Salah endured another frustrating night. Egypt managed just three shots in total and only one on target. The seven-time AFCON champions struggled to create chances against Senegal’s solid defensive setup. For Salah, the wait for a first continental title continues. At 33, his next opportunity won’t come until 2027.
Senegal lost captain Kalidou Koulibaly to injury in the first half, ruling him out of the final. But they controlled the match from start to finish, dominating possession and creating the better opportunities.
When is the AFCON 2025 final?
The final takes place on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 7:00 PM local time (6:00 PM GMT) at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Morocco will have home advantage as they chase their first AFCON title since 1976. That’s a 50-year wait. The Atlas Lions have only reached two AFCON finals before, winning in 1976 and finishing runners-up in 2004.
Who are the favorites for the final?
This matchup has everything. Morocco enter on a 25-match unbeaten streak dating back to their 2023 AFCON exit. They’ve kept five clean sheets in six tournament matches and have the passionate home crowd behind them.
Senegal are the defending champions from 2021 and have reached three finals in the last four editions. They have proven pedigree and know how to win when it matters. Mane is in excellent form and has a knack for showing up in big moments.
The contrast in styles makes this fascinating. Morocco have been defensively solid, conceding just once in six matches. Senegal are more attack-minded and dominated possession against Egypt with over 60 percent of the ball.
Walid Regragui’s Morocco will feel the weight of an entire nation’s expectations. Winning on home soil would be monumental. But they face a Senegal side that has been there before and won’t be intimidated by the occasion.
What’s at stake in the third-place match?
Nigeria and Egypt meet on Saturday, January 17, 2026, to contest third place. It’s a match neither team wanted to play, but pride is on the line.
Nigeria have now won eight bronze medals at AFCON, more than any other nation. For Egypt, it’s their first third-place match since 1984. Both teams will want to end the tournament on a positive note after gut-wrenching semi-final defeats.
Why is this AFCON final so historic?
Several storylines converge in Rabat on Sunday. Morocco are attempting to become only the 15th host nation to win AFCON on home soil. The pressure on Regragui and his players is immense.
For Senegal, victory would make them back-to-back champions and only the fifth nation ever to successfully defend an AFCON title. The Lions of Teranga have transformed from perennial underachievers to African powerhouses in recent years.
Mane versus Morocco’s defense will be a key battle. The Senegalese forward has been directly involved in more AFCON goals than any other player since his debut. Morocco’s Brahim Diaz leads the tournament with five goals and will be hungry to add to his tally.
This is also a clash of philosophies. Morocco’s defensive resilience against Senegal’s attacking flair. Experience versus home advantage. Individual brilliance versus collective strength.
What do the coaches say?
Morocco coach Walid Regragui has transformed the national team since taking over. After reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2022, he’s now one match away from delivering AFCON glory.
Senegal’s Aliou Cisse is already a national hero for winning in 2021. Another title would cement his legacy as one of Africa’s greatest coaches.
Both managers will have tactical adjustments to make. Morocco must cope without the momentum of their shootout victory, while Senegal will be without captain Koulibaly, who picked up an injury that rules him out of the final.
FAQ
Who won the AFCON 2025 semi-finals?
Morocco beat Nigeria 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw, and Senegal defeated Egypt 1-0 with a Sadio Mane goal in the 78th minute.
When is the AFCON 2025 final?
Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 7:00 PM local time (6:00 PM GMT) at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Where can I watch the AFCON final?
Check local broadcasters in your region. The match will be available on various sports networks globally.
Who is favored to win the final?
Morocco have home advantage and a 25-match unbeaten streak, while Senegal are defending champions with experience winning finals.
What happened in the penalty shootout?
Morocco’s Yassine Bounou saved two penalties from Nigeria. Youssef En-Nesyri scored the winning penalty to send Morocco to the final.
Will Mohamed Salah play again at AFCON?
Salah will be 35 years old at the next AFCON in 2027. He hasn’t ruled out playing but his international future remains uncertain.
