Africa’s biggest stage is set for a heavyweight finale as Senegal and Morocco meet in the AFCON 2025 Final on Sunday night in Rabat. Two of the continent’s most complete sides remain, and with history, pride, and a nation’s expectations on the line, this feels like a final defined by fine margins rather than fireworks.
The #HomeTurfBet9ja squad return with another ???? ??????! ? @Ezugwuchukwudi, @Sawadinho1, @theonlytoyo & @OnaziOgenyi just dropped this week's at 6.25 odds.
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) January 16, 2026
Book It Now: ??????? ? pic.twitter.com/cL90IXhNhX
Road to the Final – Senegal
The Lions of Teranga arrive in Rabat with the confidence of reigning champions and the calm of a team that knows how to manage big occasions. Their 1–0 semi-final win over Egypt summed up their tournament: disciplined, patient, and decisive. Sadio Mané’s strike was enough once again, continuing a campaign that has seen Senegal concede just two goals across six matches.
This is Senegal’s third AFCON Final in four editions, underlining their consistency at the top of African football. Even with suspensions to key figures like Kalidou Koulibaly, their structure has barely wavered, and their ability to control midfield spaces has been central to their run.
Road to the Final – Morocco
The Atlas Lions meanwhile, carry the weight – and energy – of a home nation chasing history. Morocco edged past Nigeria on penalties after a tense goalless semi-final, extending a remarkable defensive record that has seen them concede just once all tournament, and never from open play.
Walid Regragui’s side have grown into the competition, combining composure with control, and leaning on experience in moments that matter. Brahim Díaz has been their attacking reference point, while Achraf Hakimi and Yassine Bounou have set the tone at both ends of the pitch. With Rabat behind them, Morocco are one win away from ending a 50-year wait for AFCON glory.
Team News
Senegal head into Sunday’s AFCON 2025 Final without two key figures after suspension blows picked up in the knockout stages.
Captain Kalidou Koulibaly will miss the showpiece after accumulating yellow cards. The experienced centre-back was already walking a disciplinary tightrope following his booking in the quarter-final against Mali, and his caution against Egypt in the semi-final confirmed his suspension. Koulibaly was later forced off through injury, compounding a frustrating tournament for the defender.
Midfielder Habib Diarra is also unavailable after picking up a booking in the latter stages of Senegal’s run to the final. His absence removes energy and ball-winning ability from the centre of the pitch, an area likely to be fiercely contested against Morocco.
Morocco, by contrast, approach the final with a clean bill of health. Walid Regragui has no suspension concerns and is expected to name an unchanged side, with Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz, Nayef Aguerd and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou all available as the hosts look to capitalise on home advantage in Rabat.
Senegal Predicted XI: Mendy; Diatta, Sarr, Niakhate, Diouf; Camara, I Gueye, P Gueye; Ndiaye, Jackson, Mane
Morocco Predicted XI: Bono; Hakimi, Aguerd, Masina, Mazraoui; Diaz, Khannouss, El Aynaoui, Saibari, Ezzalzouli; Kaabi
Bet9ja Tips – A final of fine margins
This is a clash between Africa’s two most balanced teams. Senegal bring experience, physicality, and tournament know-how. Morocco bring structure, defensive discipline, and the advantage of home support.
Neither side have been pushed into chaos so far, and with both defences among the best the competition has seen in years, this final feels more likely to be decided by a single moment, a set piece, or even penalties once again.
Expect tension, patience, and tactical chess – the kind of final where one goal could be enough.
Senegal and Morocco have conceded just three goals combined during their respective routes to the AFCON Final, and with their stunning defensive records in mind, we expect very few goals in what should be a hard-fought encounter. You can get odds of 2.43 for under 1.5 goals to be scored with Bet9ja – book here: 3X8ZS2X.
Although we expect this to be a narrow and hard-fought clash, Morocco will have the overwhelming support of the home crowd, and we believe this will help the Atlas Lions get over the line with the win. You can get odds of Morocco to win of 2.33 with Bet9ja – 3X8ZVZG.
Bet9ja Odds (at time of writing): Senegal win: 3.65, Draw: 2.95, Morocco win: 2.33 (inside 90 minutes)
? ?? ??????? ????????! ?
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) January 16, 2026
1?? Follow Bet9ja Social Channels
2?? Guess the minute of the first goal in Saturday's Nigeria vs Egypt game
3?? Don't forget your Bet9ja User ID
20 winning users will be selected at random & receive N250k cash across our social… pic.twitter.com/vxC4Y0BkOA
Senegal and Morocco go head-to-head for AFCON glory on Sunday. Get your bets on now with Bet9ja!
