AFCON 2025 reaches its climax as Morocco and Senegal face off this Sunday, 18 January, at 20:00 (Morocco time) at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat for a blockbuster final.
After two drama‑filled semi‑finals, the Atlas Lions and the Lions of Teranga square off in a summit duel between the host nation and an African powerhouse.
AFCON 2025 semi‑final results
Morocco – Nigeria results semifinal
Backed by a raucous home crowd in Rabat, Morocco booked their ticket to the AFCON 2025 final after 120 tense minutes and a calm, clinical penalty shoot‑out win over Nigeria (0–0, 4–2 pens). According to CAF, both sides delivered a match defined by tactical discipline and defensive resilience.
Despite Nigerian pressure, the Atlas Lions stayed compact, patient, and inspired by one man: Yassine Bounou. Born in 1991 and currently the Al Hilal goalkeeper, Bounou once again underlined why he ranks among Africa’s elite shot‑stoppers.
The Moroccan keeper saved two decisive penalties—Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi—to tilt the tie. The final kick, converted by Youssef En‑Nesyri (now at Fenerbahce), sent the stadium into raptures and sealed qualification.
The win puts Morocco into their first AFCON final since 1976, the year of their only title—a powerful symbol that fuels hopes of a second continental crown.
Senegal vs Egypt – semi‑final result
Senegal – Egypt results semifinal
In Tangier, Senegal earned a solid 1–0 victory over Egypt to reach the final. CAF described a tight, tactical battle—ultimately decided by Sadio Mané.
In the 78th minute, the Senegalese star arrowed a precise finish inside the post to down the Pharaohs and send Senegal to a third final in four editions. Born in 1992, Mané currently plays for Al‑Nassr (Riyadh).
There was one setback: captain Kalidou Koulibaly limped off injured and is ruled out of the final (injury plus card accumulation). Even so, Senegal continue to look like an African juggernaut, ever‑present in the last four since 2019.
Morocco vs Senegal: date, TV channel & streaming
Watch the AFCON 2025 final on Sunday, 18 January at: 20:00 (Morocco & France) / 19:00 (Ivory Coast, UK).
- France: beIN SPORTS + M6 or W9 (free‑to‑air via sub‑licensing)
- Morocco: Arryadia
- Francophone Africa: Canal+ Afrique / SuperSport (varies by country)
In Abidjan (Babi): you can catch the game at Sofitel or Pullman. Travelling to Morocco? Buy tickets directly via the official CAF website.
Morocco vs Senegal: key players
Morocco: defense and control
- Yassine Bounou — shoot‑out hero with nerves of steel. 35, Al Hilal (Saudi Pro League).
- Achraf Hakimi — leadership and laser‑sharp delivery on the right. 27, currently at Paris Saint‑Germain (PSG).
- Youssef En‑Nesyri — clinical finisher with ice‑cold composure. 29, moved from Sevilla to Fenerbahçe.
- Brahim Díaz — creativity and incision between the lines. 26, Real Madrid.
- Abde Ezzalzouli — direct dribbler and chance‑creator. 24, Real Betis.
Morocco show an almost impenetrable defence and the emotional control you need for statement games.
Senegal: power and serenity
- Sadio Mané — decisive yet again. 33, Al‑Nassr (Saudi Pro League).
- Édouard Mendy — reactive in critical moments. 33, Al‑Ahli SFC.
- Ismaïla Sarr — a constant transition threat. 27, Crystal Palace (Premier League).
- Nicolas Jackson — 24, Bayern Munich.
- Lamine Camara — 22, AS Monaco (Ligue 1)
Road to the AFCON 2025 Final: Morocco and Senegal
Morocco Statistics AFCON
- Group stage: best defence
- Quarter‑final: win vs Cameroon
- Semi‑final: Nigeria 0–0 (4–2 pens)
Senegal Statistics AFCON
- Group stage: dominant throughout
- Round of 16: 3–1 vs Sudan
- Quarter‑final: 1–0 vs Mali
- Semi‑final: 1–0 vs Egypt
AFCON 2025 reaches its climax with a dream final: Morocco vs Senegal—a showdown packed with passion, history, talent and big‑match experience. The hosts aim to lift their second title after 1976, while Senegal look to reclaim the crown they won in 2021 and reaffirm their status in modern African football. Whatever the outcome, the continent is set for an unforgettable night.
Finally, Nigeria defeated Egypt this Saturday, January 17, in a penalty shootout (4–2), securing third place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. And you — who do you think will lift the trophy tonight? I’m reading you in the comments!
And if this AFCON has sparked your curiosity about Africa and Ivory Coast, don’t miss our article on 10 fascinating facts about Ivory Coast.
Photos: CAF
