Host Morocco challenge Mane-led Senegal in AFCON final
The Africa Cup of Nations builds to its peak on Sunday featuring a clash between hosting Morocco, aiming to secure the trophy for the first time in five decades, and the formidable Senegal outfit starring Sadio Mane.
The decisive match begins at 1900 GMT at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, where nearly all of the 69000 fans will support Morocco, led by captain and African player of the year Achraf Hakimi.
This inaugural AFCON to span two years might see the second consecutive victory by a host country, as the Atlas Lions seek to emulate Ivory Coast, who lifted the trophy on home ground in 2024.
Under Walid Regragui, Morocco have risen as Africas top national squad in recent times, marking history as the continents first to reach a World Cup semi-final in 2022 and ascending to eleventh in global rankings.
Yet they have underperformed at AFCON historically, with just one championship in 1976. This marks their initial final since 2004, a loss to Tunisia when Regragui played for the side.
Senegal, in contrast, reach their third final across four tournaments and pursue a follow-up crown after 2022, when Mane netted the winning penalty in the shoot-out versus Egypt in Yaounde.
We envisioned this moment and now we have achieved it, Regragui shared with journalists on Saturday.
He has endured intense expectations to bring the title home for the passionate football country, potentially risking his role ahead of the upcoming North American World Cup without this final appearance.
I hope this marks the start and not our final AFCON showdown, he continued.
Leading football powers aim for consistent top spots. Tomorrow we strive to forge history.
He noted: Senegal must show great strength to overcome us here, though they possess the ability.
Moroccos achievements in the past month hinge on the forward prowess of Real Madrid winger Brahim Diaz, the leading marksman with five goals, alongside a backline that has allowed just one concession.
Security issues
Playing at home adds further strain but offers substantial benefits, and Senegal have voiced concerns over their reception in Rabat before the encounter.
The Lions of Teranga stayed in the northern port of Tangiers until travelling to Rabat by train on Friday.
The Senegalese Football Federation highlighted a shortage of proper security during the teams arrival surrounded by enthusiastic supporters which endangered players and personnel.
They also raised issues with their accommodation, the allocation of under 3000 tickets to their fans for the final, and the request to practise at the Moroccan squads facility in nearby Sale.
Such events are unacceptable, stated Senegal manager Pape Thiaw.
With that crowd size, incidents could easily occur. My players faced potential harm.
Interactions like this should not arise between allied nations.
Mane, a dual African player of the year recipient, declared post semi-final goal against Egypt that Sundays match would cap his AFCON career.
However Thiaw maintained on the match eve that the ex-Liverpool star might reconsider.
I believe he spoke impulsively and the nation disagrees, as do I in my coaching role, Thiaw explained.
We wish to retain him for the longest tenure possible, the manager added, noting the absence of suspended centre-back and captain Kalidou Koulibaly.
Beyond the field, this AFCON edition underscores Moroccos commitment to excel as a 2030 World Cup co-host.
The event has avoided the troubles of past tournaments, with venues and surfaces mostly excellent and rapid rail connections evidencing major infrastructure enhancements.