Preview, form, head-to-head, team news and broadcast details for Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final
Senegal and Morocco meet in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final on Sunday, 18 January 2026, in what promises to be a gripping climax to this year’s tournament. The match will take place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with kick-off scheduled for 7:00pm GMT / 2:00pm ET. Both sides have enjoyed impressive campaigns and now stand on the brink of continental glory in front of passionate home support for Morocco.
Senegal, winners of AFCON in 2021, arrive in Rabat having impressed with balance, composure and depth throughout the tournament. Morocco, the host nation, are bidding to end a 50-year wait for their first AFCON title since 1976 and have captured the imagination of local fans with a blend of attacking verve and defensive solidity.
How the teams go into the game: form
Senegal’s road to the final has been anchored by an excellent defensive record and consistent attacking output. They opened the tournament unbeaten in Group D, registering wins over Botswana, Benin and Sudan, and only dropping points in a 1-1 draw with DR Congo. In the knockout stages, they defeated Mali and then saw off Egypt 1-0 in the semi-final, with Sadio Mané scoring the decisive goal. Overall, Senegal have scored 12 goals while conceding just two, keeping four clean sheets in six matches – a testament to their organisation and resilience.
Morocco’s journey has also been marked by impressive results. They won Group A unbeaten, with wins against Zambia, Tanzania and Comoros and a draw with Mali. In the knockout phase, the Atlas Lions beat Cameroon 2-0 in the quarter-finals and advanced past Nigeria on penalties after a goalless draw in the semi-final. Morocco’s defence has stood firm, while players such as Brahim Díaz and Achraf Hakimi have provided creative spark in key moments.
Senegal vs Morocco: head-to-head
This AFCON final represents the first time Senegal and Morocco have met in an AFCON title match, though they have faced each other 31 times overall. Historically, Morocco hold the advantage with 18 wins to Senegal’s six, alongside seven draws. Morocco have also won four of the last six meetings between the sides, with Senegal’s most recent victory coming in a friendly in 2012.
Senegal vs Morocco: team news
Senegal face selection challenges heading into the final. Kalidou Koulibaly and Habib Diarra are both suspended after accumulating bookings, a blow for head coach Pape Thiaw’s defensive plans. However, Senegal’s back line remains strong, led by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, who has kept multiple clean sheets in the tournament, and attackers such as Sadio Mané and Iliman Ndiaye continue to pose threats.
Morocco are boosted by the presence of key figures. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was pivotal in the penalty shootout against Nigeria, while Brahim Díaz has been influential in attack. Morocco’s blend of experience and youth gives them a tactical edge, particularly on home soil.
Senegal vs Morocco: when and where to watch in US & UK
In the United Kingdom, the AFCON final will be broadcast live on Channel 4 and Sky Sports Football, with coverage beginning ahead of the 7:00pm GMT kick-off. UK viewers can also stream the match on All 4.
In the United States, live coverage will be available on beIN Sports and streaming via FuboTV. The match begins at 2:00pm ET, with pre-game build-up and analysis leading into what is set to be one of African football’s most memorable showdowns.
With history, pride and continental glory on the line, the Senegal vs Morocco AFCON final promises to be a fitting end to an exciting tournament.