On Sunday, either Senegal or host nation Morocco will claim their second continental crown as both sides face off at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
Neither team reached this stage by chance, with the Lions of Teranga having topped their group before scaling past Sudan, Morocco, and Egypt in the knockout rounds.
Senegal have now reached the AFCON showpiece for the fourth time ever, with three coming in the last four editions, and they look to replicate their 2021 triumph — their first and only title.
Meanwhile, Morocco’s sole continental crown came as far back as 1976, and the Atlas Lions are contesting the competition’s final for just the third time, having also appeared in 2004.
Tipped to go all the way, the Atlas Lions have lived up to expectations as the team to beat, finishing top of their group before edging past Tanzania and Cameroon in the round of 16 and quarter-finals, respectively.
Morocco’s semi-final against Nigeria posed a sterner test, but the hosts ultimately advanced on penalties, now aiming to become another host nation to lift the trophy, following Ivory Coast’s success in the previous edition.
How the bookies view it: Host nation tipped as favourites
Morocco hold the advantage according to the bookmakers, with the host nation priced at 23/20 to win in regulation time on Ladbrokes. Senegal are available at 12/5, while a draw is offered at 7/4.
Head-to-head: Recent dominance for Morocco
This will be the first time the sides have met at the AFCON, but Morocco have enjoyed recent success against Senegal, winning five of the last six encounters (L1), including a penalty triumph in the African Nations Championship final in August last year.
Players to watch: Sadio Mane vs Achraf Hakimi – a key battle on the flank
Sadio Mane scored the decisive goal against Egypt in the semi-final and remains Senegal’s most potent attacking threat, aiming to cause havoc down the wing.
Looking to contain him is Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi, who has impressed since returning from injury, helping his side keep a clean sheet in all four of his appearances at the tournament.
Probable lineups
Senegal will be without experienced defender Kalidou Koulibaly and attacker Habib Diarra, both suspended due to bookings.
Morocco face injury absences in the form of midfielder Azzedine Ounahi and veteran defender Romain Saiss, ruled out with calf and muscle problems, respectively.
Senegal (4-3-3): Mendy; Diatta, Sarr, Niakhate, Diouf; Diarra, I. Gueye, P. Gueye; Ndiaye, Jackson, Mane
Morocco (4-1-4-1): Bono; Hakimi, Aguerd, Masina, Mazraoui; El Aynaoui; Diaz, El Khannouss, Saibari, Ezzalzouli; El Kaabi
Anything else that catches the eye?
Senegal have received more bookings than their opponents in three of their six tournament games, while Morocco have collected fewer cards in four of six matches. The 3/4 on Betano backing Senegal to pick up more bookings looks appealing.
Morocco have registered at least four corners in all their matches, making the 8/15 option on Betano an attractive pick.
Only one of Morocco’s six tournament games saw over 2.5 goals, and with Senegal’s last two encounters ending as low-scoring affairs, the 9/20 on Betano for under 2.5 goals appears a valuable wager.
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