By Amaechi Agbo
Hosts Morocco will meet Senegal in the final of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations after a gripping semi-final double-header delivered drama, tension and contrasting paths to qualification.
Morocco sealed their place in Sunday’s showpiece in Rabat by edging Nigeria 4–2 on penalties after a goalless draw following extra time, as the hosts once again relied on composure and defensive resilience to survive a high-stakes knockout tie.
In Tangier earlier on Wednesday, Senegal booked their return to the AFCON final with a narrow 1–0 victory over Egypt, ending the Pharaohs’ hopes of a record-extending eighth continental title and underlining the Lions of Teranga’s growing pedigree at the top level of African football.
Backed by a passionate home crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Morocco absorbed sustained Nigerian pressure across 120 minutes in a contest defined by discipline rather than flair.
Neither side could find a breakthrough in regulation time or extra time, with clear chances at a premium and both defences holding firm as the tension mounted.
The semi-final was ultimately decided from the spot, where Morocco converted four of their five penalties to Nigeria’s two, sparking wild celebrations in the stands as the Atlas Lions reached their first AFCON final since lifting the trophy on home soil in 1976.
Senegal’s route to the final was more direct but no less intense, as they overcame Egypt 1–0 in a tightly contested encounter at the Stade de Tangier.
The defending champions of 2021 showed patience and control against an experienced Egyptian side, with Sadio Mane’s strike proving decisive in a match where fine margins once again separated success from disappointment.
For Egypt, the defeat brought an end to their latest pursuit of continental glory, while Senegal’s victory confirmed their status as one of Africa’s most consistent tournament teams in recent years.
Sunday’s final will see Morocco attempt to complete a memorable home campaign against a Senegal side aiming to reclaim the title they won in 2021.
The AFCON 2025 final will be played on Sunday, 18 January, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Egypt and Nigeria will contest the third-place play-off on Saturday, 17 January, at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.
With a packed stadium, a host nation dreaming of history and a reigning powerhouse seeking affirmation, the stage is set for a final that promises to cap a compelling Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
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