The eagerly awaited final of the Africa Cup of Nations will pit Morocco against Senegal, promising a captivating contest. This grand event not only showcases prominent football figures but also provides a platform for rising stars. Discussions surrounding Sadio Mané's potential departure from international play, Achraf Hakimi's return from injury, and Ibrahim Mbaye's impressive emergence are central to the narratives leading into the match. The defensive strength of both teams is expected to play a pivotal role, with Nayef Aguerd anchoring Morocco's formidable defense and Krépin Diatta standing out for Senegal. Despite some pre-match logistical issues, all eyes are on Rabat for what is anticipated to be an intense and memorable championship game.
Scheduled for January 18, 2026, in Rabat, the AFCON final will see Sadio Mané lead the Lions of Teranga for the second time in a continental championship match. Mané, who previously scored the decisive goal in the semi-final against Egypt, faces a pivotal moment regarding his international career. Despite his recent announcement of retirement, there is widespread hope, including from head coach Pape Thiaw, that he will reconsider, allowing him to potentially crown his illustrious career with another title for Senegal.
From a Ligue 1 perspective, this final represents a fascinating clash of generations, embodying both the current stars and future prospects of French football. Achraf Hakimi, despite being the prominent face of the tournament, has had his on-field impact limited by an ankle injury. His cautious return has seen him restrain his usual dynamic runs down the wing. In contrast, Ibrahim Mbaye has been a revelation for Senegal, contributing crucial plays, including setting up Mané's equalizer against DR Congo and scoring the winner against Sudan. This young PSG academy talent could be instrumental in breaking down Morocco's resilient defense, especially if the match extends beyond regular time.
Morocco also boasts significant depth with their substitutes, such as Hamza Igamane, who has effectively eased the pressure on Ayoub El Kaabi in the attacking lineup. Although Igamane missed a penalty in the shootout against Nigeria, his technical prowess and ability to hold up play offer a different dimension to Walid Regragui's offensive strategies. The Atlas Lions' title bid is fundamentally built on their robust defensive unit. Coach Regragui has lauded Nayef Aguerd’s influence, emphasizing how his presence elevates his defensive partners, particularly Adam Masina. This formidable pairing has restricted opponents to minimal shots on target throughout the tournament, underscoring their defensive solidarity.
On Senegal’s defensive front, Monaco's winger Krépin Diatta has emerged as an unexpected standout performer. His relentless work rate, covering his entire flank, and his rapid defensive tracking, coupled with effective one-on-one marking, have been crucial. Moussa Niakhaté, the Lyon center-back, steps into a critical role, filling the void left by the suspended Kalidou Koulibaly. Niakhaté acknowledges the challenge of playing against a home crowd, stating, "We know that they’re playing at home and that the crowd will be with them. It’s not a problem; the match will be decided out on the pitch."
The preparations for the final were temporarily disrupted by various logistical and security complaints lodged by the Senegal FA. A notable point of contention was the perceived unsafe arrival of players at Rabat's main train station due to the presence of police within the crowd. However, a subsequent statement from the Senegal FA confirmed that their concerns had been addressed by the Moroccan FA, allowing the team to conduct their evening training session near the Olympic Stadium. With Walid Regragui urging fans to amplify the stadium's atmosphere to "200 decibels," the Senegalese team is preparing for a highly charged and potentially hostile environment upon entering the venue.
The anticipation for the AFCON final between Morocco and Senegal is palpable, promising an exhilarating showcase of African football. The match is poised to deliver a tactical battle, with both teams relying on their star players and strategic depth. The outcome will be determined by who best manages the pressure and capitalizes on their opportunities in what is sure to be a fiercely contested encounter.