AFCON Final: Morocco vs. Senegal preview, kickoff time, how to watch, and team news

Everything you need to know ahead of Morocco and Senegal’s anticipated final clash in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Hosts Morocco and reigning champions Senegal will meet in the Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday, January 18, at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.

The continent’s two highest-ranked teams have reached the final without a defeat, a testament to their consistency and strength throughout the tournament.

Morocco, back in the final for the first time since 2004, edged past Nigeria on penalties in the semi-final. Senegal, meanwhile, are making their third appearance in the final in the past four editions.

The hosts have conceded just once all tournament, while Senegal have scored twelve goals and are unbeaten in knockout matches since 2019.

Game information

The match will be played at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, a 68,000-seat stadium that has hosted several key games during this year’s tournament. The atmosphere promises to be intense, with Moroccan fans eager to witness their side’s first AFCON title since 1976.

Senegal arrive as the more experienced side, having played in three of the past four finals. Their composure and structure under pressure will test a Morocco side that has thrived under Walid Regragui’s guidance.

Kick-off time

The final will kick off at 8 PM local time (7 PM GMT) in Rabat, which is 2 PM Eastern Time in the US and 9 PM across most of continental Europe.

The weather in Rabat is expected to be clear and mild, with temperatures around 16°C and light winds. The dry conditions should make for an ideal evening of football.

Where to watch

The match will be broadcast across several major networks around the world:

Team news

Morocco: Yassine Bounou, who was the hero in the semi-final shootout, will anchor a defence that has kept four clean sheets. Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Diaz remain key threats down the right, with Díaz entering the final on five goals.

Azzedine Ounahi is out injured, while Romain Saïss and Sofyan Amrabat are also unavailable. Morocco lead the tournament in possession (61%) and have conceded the fewest goals of any side.

Senegal: The champions will be without suspended captain Kalidou Koulibaly and midfielder Habib Diarra. Sadio Mane continues to inspire the attack, with Iliman Ndiaye and Nicolas Jackson supporting from wide areas.

Edouard Mendy remains first choice in goal after another composed tournament. Senegal have scored in every match and remain unbeaten in ten AFCON knockout games dating back to 2019.

Head-to-head records

Morocco and Senegal have faced each other 31 times across all competitions. The Atlas Lions hold the advantage with 18 wins, compared to 7 victories for the Lions of Teranga, and 6 draws between them.

Their most recent meeting came in August 2025 at the African Nations Championship, which ended 1–1. Morocco also claimed a 3–1 win when they met in a friendly in 2020.

Historically, Morocco have dominated the fixture, though Senegal’s recent rise ensures the gap has narrowed in recent years.

Overall, Morocco have enjoyed the stronger record, but with both teams now among Africa’s elite, the 2025 final represents a far more even contest than history suggests.

Both teams come into the final in exceptional form. Morocco are unbeaten in their last 23 matches, while Senegal haven’t lost in 27.

With the hosts aiming for a home triumph and the holders looking to defend their title, it promises to be a memorable night in Rabat.

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