Senegal to Meet Host Nation Morocco in AFCON 2025 Final Following Thrilling Semi-Finals
Hosts Morocco will take on Senegal in the final of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations following a gripping semi-final double-header that delivered drama, tension and contrasting routes to qualification.
Morocco booked their place in Sunday’s showpiece in Rabat after edging Nigeria 4–2 on penalties following a goalless draw that stretched through extra time. Once again, the Atlas Lions relied on composure and defensive resilience to navigate a high-pressure knockout encounter.
Earlier in Tangier, Senegal secured their return to the AFCON final with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Egypt, bringing an end to the Pharaohs’ hopes of claiming a record-extending eighth continental title and further underlining the Lions of Teranga’s growing stature at the summit of African football.
Morocco Hold Their Nerve on Home Soil
Backed by a passionate home crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Morocco absorbed sustained Nigerian pressure across 120 minutes in a semi-final defined more by discipline and tactical control than attacking flair.
Clear-cut chances were few and far between as both defences stood firm, with neither side able to find a breakthrough in regulation time or extra time despite the rising tension.
The contest was ultimately decided from the penalty spot, where Morocco converted four of their five kicks compared to Nigeria’s two, triggering scenes of jubilation in the stands as the Atlas Lions reached their first AFCON final since lifting the trophy on home soil in 1976.
Senegal Edge Past Egypt to Continue Title Push
Senegal’s path to the final was more direct but no less demanding, as they edged Egypt 1–0 in a tightly contested clash at the Stade de Tangier.
The 2021 champions displayed patience and control against an experienced Egyptian side, with Sadio Mané’s decisive strike proving the difference in a match once again settled by the finest of margins.
For Egypt, the defeat marked another near miss in their long pursuit of continental glory, while Senegal’s victory reaffirmed their status as one of Africa’s most consistent tournament teams in recent years.
Final and Third-Place Play-Off Confirmed
Sunday’s final will see Morocco attempt to crown a memorable home campaign against a Senegal side eager to reclaim the title they won in 2021.
The AFCON 2025 final will be played on Sunday, 18 January, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Meanwhile, Egypt and Nigeria will contest the third-place play-off on Saturday, 17 January, at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.
With a sold-out stadium expected, a host nation dreaming of history and a reigning powerhouse seeking validation, the stage is set for a final worthy of a compelling Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
