AFCON FINAL: Morocco and Senegal Face Off for Glory Tomorrow

AFCON 2026: A Clash of Titans in Rabat

The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations reaches its climax tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, 2026, in a final that many are calling a “Heavyweight Dream Match.” Hosts Morocco will face the defending champions Senegal at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with kick-off set for 19:00 GMT.

Morocco: The Weight of 50 Years

For the Atlas Lions, this is more than just a game; it is a chance to end a half-century wait for continental glory.³ Morocco’s only AFCON title came back in 1976, and despite being a consistent powerhouse on the global stage, they have not reached a final since 2004.

• Path to the Final: Morocco emerged from a grueling semi-final against Nigeria, surviving 120 minutes of a goalless deadlock before winning 4–2 on penalties.

   

• The Hero: Goalkeeper Yassine “Bono” Bounou was the standout, saving two spot-kicks to send the 65,000 fans in Rabat into a frenzy.

   

• The Star: Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz enters the final as the tournament’s leading scorer with 5 goals, having found the net in every round prior to the semi-final.

   

Senegal: The New Kings of Consistency

The Lions of Teranga are appearing in their third final in the last four editions, cementing their status as Africa’s most dominant force of the 2020s.

• Path to the Final: Senegal took a more direct route, edging past Egypt 1–0 in the semi-finals thanks to a 78th-minute volley from Sadio Mané.

   

• A Major Blow: Senegal will be without their captain, Kalidou Koulibaly, who is suspended after picking up a yellow card in the semi-final. Midfield engine Habib Diarra is also sidelined due to suspension.

   

• The Mané Factor: This tournament is rumored to be Sadio Mané’s final AFCON, and the veteran forward is determined to “bring the trophy back to Dakar” one last time.

   

Match Details at a Glance

Tactical Battle: Defense vs. Explosiveness

This final pits the tournament’s best defense against its most consistent offense. Morocco has conceded only one goal throughout the entire competition, while Senegal has scored in every single match they have played. With the home crowd behind them, the Atlas Lions enter as slight favorites, but the experience and grit of the Senegalese “Lions” make this an impossible match to call.