Senegal vs Morocco

The eyes of the continent turn to Rabat today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, for the grand finale of the Africa Cup of Nations. Host nation Morocco faces the defending runners-up (and 2021 champions) Senegal at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

This is a historic meeting: it is the first time these two heavyweights have faced each other in an AFCON tournament, and the stakes could not be higher. Morocco is chasing its first title in 50 years (since 1976), while Senegal looks to cement their status as the dominant force in African football with a second star.

Match Information

Morocco: Chasing a 50-Year Dream

The "Atlas Lions" have been the most efficient side in the tournament, conceding only one goal across six matches. Under Walid Regragui, Morocco has ridden a wave of national support to reach their first final since 2004. They arrive following a grueling semi-final against Nigeria, which they won 4–2 on penalties after a 0–0 draw.

Team News and Selection:

• Key Absence: Midfielder Azzedine Ounahi is ruled out with a calf injury, and veteran defender Romain Saïss remains sidelined.

• Golden Boot Leader: Brahim Díaz leads the tournament with 5 goals. If he scores today, he will become the first player to score in six consecutive AFCON games.

• The "Bono" Wall: Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has kept 5 clean sheets and has not conceded a goal in 477 minutes of play.

• Predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Bono; Hakimi, Aguerd, Masina, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui; Ezzalzouli, Saibari, El Khannouss, Díaz; El Kaabi.

Senegal: The Quest for a Second Star

Senegal has reached their third final in the last four editions, showcasing remarkable consistency under manager Pape Thiaw. The "Lions of Teranga" squeezed past Egypt with a 1–0 win in the semi-final, courtesy of a Sadio Mané strike. They boast the best offensive record among the finalists with 12 goals scored.

Team News and Selection:

• Major Blow: Captain Kalidou Koulibaly is suspended after picking up a booking in the semi-final. This is a cruel repeat of 2019, when he also missed the final due to suspension.

• Midfield Gap: Habib Diarra is also suspended for yellow card accumulation. Ilay Camada and Assane Diao are ruled out via injury.

• Talisman: Sadio Mané has been involved in 5 of Senegal's 12 goals this tournament (2 goals, 3 assists).

• Predicted XI (4-3-3): Mendy; Diatta, M. Sarr, Niakhate, Diouf; I. Gueye, P. Gueye, Camara; Ndiaye, Jackson, Mané.

? Head-to-Head (H2H) and History

• Overall Record: 31 meetings (Morocco: 18 wins, Senegal: 7 wins, 6 draws).

• AFCON History: This is their first-ever meeting in the Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

• Host Nation Luck: Historically, host nations have won 11 of the 14 AFCON finals they have hosted.

• Defensive Prowess: Between them, these two teams have conceded only three goals in the entire tournament.

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

This final pits Morocco’s pragmatic, defensive mastery against Senegal’s clinical attacking experience. Morocco’s biggest advantage is the home crowd and the playmaking of Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Díaz. However, the absence of Koulibaly leaves a void in the Senegalese defense that Nicolas Jackson and Iliman Ndiaye will have to compensate for by keeping Morocco pinned back.

Expect a cagey, low-scoring affair decided by a single moment of brilliance or a mistake in the closing stages.

Final Score Prediction: Senegal 0–1 Morocco (AET)