Anticipation in Morocco as hosts prepare to challenge Senegal in AFCON final

The Moroccan squad looks forward to enthusiastic local backing to aid them in defeating Senegal, spearheaded by Sadio Mane, during Sundays Africa Cup of Nations final. As the hosts and frontrunners, they near their inaugural continental crown in five decades.

Entering the event on home territory, the Moroccans have established themselves as Africas premier national outfit since achieving the continents first World Cup semi-final appearance in Qatar back in 2022.

Situated 11th globally, surpassing Italy, the Atlas Lions remain unbeaten following their 2024 Cup of Nations exit to South Africa in the round of 16. They are led by this years African footballer of the year, Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi.

Nevertheless, this status has imposed immense expectations on Morocco to succeed from the tournaments outset, marking the initial AFCON spanning two calendar years.

Morocco has conducted every fixture at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, enduring boos from their own crowd amid the group phase yet gradually earning the approval of their critical supporters as the competition progresses.

Following a dominant victory against Cameroon in the quarter-finals and a thrilling penalty shootout success over Nigeria in Wednesdays semi-final, nearly 70000 Moroccan enthusiasts will pack the venue eager to witness their sides trophy lift.

I believe we merit this finals spot. We have encountered elite opponents such as Mali, Cameroon, and Nigeria, and now another top contender awaits, remarked manager Walid Regragui, who endures ongoing scrutiny from a hopeful populace.

Ultimately, observers will recognise Morocco as a prominent football power. To advance further, though, securing trophies is essential, making Sundays encounter pivotal for our legacy.

Regragui reflects on the nations modest tournament history.

This French-born tactician featured in Moroccos previous deepest run, a defeat to host Tunisia in 2004, and now aims to surpass that mark.

Failure to do so may result in his departure before the World Cup kicks off in June.

Regardless of an early elimination, my self-confidence and conviction in my coaching abilities would persist, Regragui stated regarding the backlash.

My previous accomplishments remain intact. I seek no handouts. I make no claims to superiority. The priority is Moroccos finals presence.

Mane's farewell to AFCON

Yet, the hosts face no simpler rival than Senegal, Africas second-ranked team, appearing in their third final across four recent AFCON editions.

After a 2019 loss to Algeria in Cairo, the Lions of Teranga claimed their maiden title in Yaounde in 2022 via penalties against Egypt.

Eliminated by Ivory Coast in the 2024 last 16, they rebounded to World Cup qualification and now advance to this final, with a Mane goal securing a semi-final win over Egypt.

Senegal boasts a seasoned roster, albeit maturing, as Mane, keeper Edouard Mendy, captain Kalidou Koulibaly, and midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye range from 33 to 36 years old.

The ex-Liverpool forward Mane indicated post-Egypt that the final marks his final Cup of Nations outing.

I serve as a dedicated patriot, pouring maximum effort into daily training and games, Mane expressed.

However, my personal input pales compared to the goal of returning this trophy to Dakar.

Defender Koulibaly sits out due to suspension, a significant setback for Senegal in a clash of robust backlines, having conceded just three goals combined throughout the event.

The match may lack fluidity and goals, but tension will abound, with Moroccos pressure management proving decisive.