AFCON 2025 • Channels Television

Senegal Poised To Party With Parade Honouring AFCON Champions

Emmanuel Egobiambu — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 13:24:08 +0000

After winning the Africa Cup of Nations, Senegal’s football players will parade through Dakar on Tuesday, ending their long journey at the country’s presidential palace.

The Senegal players arrived on a special flight from Morocco shortly before midnight on Monday, where they were greeted by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, and other members of the government.

Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat on Sunday, Pape Gueye’s extra-time winner sinking hosts Morocco 1-0 after a chaotic final that saw the eventual champions storm off the pitch late in the game.

The bus carrying Senegal’s national football team is escorted by the police out of the airport area as supporters celebrate their arrival in Dakar on January 20, 2026. (Photo by SEYLLOU / AFP)

The team’s “grand parade” will take them through the streets of Dakar, which have been decked out in banners with national colours, officially beginning at 11:00 am local time and lasting for several hours.

The start of the celebration may be delayed, however, due to the team’s late arrival at the airport on Monday, well behind schedule.

The route will pass through both working-class and upscale neighbourhoods before travelling along the capital’s iconic oceanside highway, the Corniche, with tens of thousands likely turning out to watch.

Supporters of Senegal’s national football team celebrate their arrival in Dakar on January 20, 2026. (Photo by Carmen Abd Ali / AFP)

The players will then be officially received in front of the presidential palace in the late afternoon or evening.

Car horns, fireworks, and the deafening roar of vuvuzelas echoed through Dakar on Sunday night after Senegal’s victory as fans flooded the streets, with the raucous celebrations continuing for a second night on Monday.

Following the victory, the country’s newspapers were ebullient: “Heroic!” Le Soleil wrote as its single-word headline, while L’Observateur simply called the triumph “Unforgettable”.

Supporters of Senegal’s national football team celebrate their arrival in Dakar on January 20, 2026. (Photo by SEYLLOU / AFP)

The match, however, was not without controversy.

African football’s showpiece event was marred by most of the Senegal team walking off when, deep into injury time of normal play and with the match locked at 0-0, Morocco were awarded a spot-kick following a VAR check by referee Jean-Jacques Ndala for a challenge on Brahim Diaz.

Senegal were already furious at having a goal disallowed for a soft-looking foul minutes earlier.

As a group of their enraged fans fought with Moroccan security personnel at the other end of the stadium, Senegal’s players eventually returned to the pitch to see Diaz shoot a soft penalty into the arms of their goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

The Moroccan FA said it had referred the incidents, including protests from Senegal players and fans, to the Confederation of African Football and FIFA.

But Senegal’s fans seemed unfazed on Tuesday, as a new chorus of vuvuzelas broke through the morning and the citizens of Dakar lined up along the parade route, music blaring, flags waving.

AFP

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Morocco Report Senegal To CAF, FIFA Over AFCON Final Protests

Donatus Anichukwueze — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 16:11:56 +0000

The Moroccan Football Federation said Monday it has formally referred to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA incidents involving Senegalese players and supporters protesting a penalty to Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final.

Senegal’s protest in added time of normal play during Sunday night’s clash in Rabat led to the match being paused for nearly 20 minutes as the players walked off the pitch in anger.

Some Senegalese fans at the opposite end of the stadium threw chairs and other objects and attempted to get onto the field of play.

The AFCON hosts’ football federation said these acts “had a significant impact on the normal course of the match and on the players’ performance”, with Morocco then missing the penalty that could have granted them their first African title in 50 years.

The federation said “it will resort to legal procedures” with CAF, the tournament’s organising body, and FIFA “in order to rule on the withdrawal of the Senegalese national team from the field”… “as well as on the events that accompanied this decision”.

It said the referee’s decision to grant the Atlas Lions a penalty was “deemed correct by unanimous opinion of specialists”.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino condemned “some Senegal players” for the “unacceptable scenes”.

Senegal scored the game’s only goal just four minutes into extra time after the players returned to the pitch following an appeal from star forward Sadio Mane.

Several Moroccan media outlets on Monday criticised Senegal for a lack of fair play and unsporting behaviour.

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Senegal Declares Public Holiday After AFCON Win

Ignatius Igwe — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 13:09:17 +0000

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has officially declared Monday a paid public holiday across the country in celebration of Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations victory.

This decision followed the victory of the Senegalese national football team (“Teranga Lions”) over host nation Morocco in the AFCON 2025 final, which took place on Sunday, January 18, 2026, in Rabat.

The Head of State declared the day off, and fully paid salaries to be paid to public sector workers to allow the nation to celebrate the victory.

Senegal on Sunday night defeated hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, in a match marred by controversy, prolonged stoppages and players briefly leaving the pitch.

The dramatic final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium was interrupted late in regulation time after a contentious penalty decision awarded to Morocco following a VAR review, sparking protests from Senegal players.

The penalty, awarded deep into stoppage time, led to chaotic scenes as Senegal players surrounded the referee, with play halted for several minutes.

‘Unacceptable Scene’

Meanwhile, Football governing bodies FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have condemned the “unacceptable scenes” that marred Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, with CAF pledging to take “appropriate action” against those found guilty.

The AFCON final between hosts Morocco and Senegal was disrupted late in normal time when referee Jean Jacques Mdala awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review for a challenge on Brahim Diaz, with the match level at 0-0.

In protest, most Senegal players walked off the pitch, while clashes broke out in the stands involving some Senegalese fans and Moroccan security personnel.

CAF, in a statement issued on Monday, condemned the behaviour of some players and officials but stopped short of assigning blame to either team.

The body said it is reviewing all available footage and will refer the matter to its disciplinary bodies.

“The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) condemns the unacceptable behaviour from some players and officials during the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat last night,” read their statement.

“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organizers.

“CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.”

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FIFA, CAF Condemn ‘Unacceptable Scenes’ In AFCON Final, To Take Appropriate Action

Channels Television — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 12:29:57 +0000

Football governing bodies FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have condemned the “unacceptable scenes” that marred Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat, with CAF pledging to take “appropriate action” against those found guilty.

In protest, most Senegal players walked off the pitch, while clashes broke out in the stands involving some Senegalese fans and Moroccan security personnel.

Morocco’s defender #18 Jawad El Yamiq fights for the ball with Senegal’s defender #14 Ismail Jakobs and Senegal’s midfielder #26 Pape Gueye during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final football match between Senegal and Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP)

CAF, in a statement issued on Monday, condemned the behaviour of some players and officials but stopped short of assigning blame to either team.

The body said it is reviewing all available footage and will refer the matter to its disciplinary bodies.

“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organizers.

“CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.”

Senegal’s midfielder #26 Pape Gueye celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final football match between Senegal and Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP)

The Senegal players later returned to the pitch after intervention from former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane, one of the few who initially remained on the field.

Senegal went on to win the final with a brilliant goal from Pape Gueye in extra time, stunning the vast majority of the 66,526 fans at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

‘Set the right example’

COMBO PHOTO: Senegal supporters clash during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final football match between Senegal and Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) and FIFA President Gianni Infantino

FIFA President Gianni Infantino also condemned the incident, describing the scenes as unacceptable. He criticised the decision to leave the pitch and the violence involving supporters.

“We strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members. It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner,” said Infantino in a statement sent to AFP.

“It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right.”

Infantino praised Moroccoon “a fantastic tournament, both as runners-up and exceptional hosts” — a boost ahead of them co-hosting the men’s 2030 World Cup — said teams have to abide by the match officials’ decisions.

(COMBO) This combination of pictures created on January 16, 2026 shows Senegal’s forward #10 Sadio Mane in Tangiers on January 14, 2026 (L) and Morocco’s forward #10 Brahim Diaz during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) in Rabat on January 9, 2026. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT and Gabriel BOUYS / AFP)

“We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play,” he said.

“Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.”

Infantino, who will be hoping there are no such scenes in this year’s World Cup finals being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, said images such as those on Sunday sent the wrong message to supporters round the world.

“It is also the responsibility of teams and players to act responsibly and set the right example for fans in the stadiums and millions watching around the world,” he said.

“The ugly scenes witnessed today must be condemned and never repeated. I reiterated that they have no place in football and I expect that the relevant disciplinary bodies at CAF will take the appropriate measures.”

‘Heat of the moment’

Senegal’s head coach Pape Thiaw reacts during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) semi-final football match between Senegal and Egypt at the Grand stadium in Tangiers on January 14, 2026. (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP)

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw admitted to broadcaster beIN Sports that he had erred in telling the players to walk off.

“After thinking about it, I realised that I shouldn’t have asked them to go off. I apologise for that,” said Thiaw.

“Sometimes you can react in the heat of the moment. Before that we scored a goal that was not given. But now we accept that referees do make mistakes and we apologise.”

However, Morocco coach Walid Regragui was worried by the damage done globally to African football by the chaotic final.

“The image we gave of African football was rather shameful. Having to stop the game for more than 10 minutes with the world watching is not very classy,” said Regragui.

CAF reiterated that disciplinary processes are ongoing and that sanctions will follow once investigations are concluded.

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AFCON: Senegal Learnt From Nigeria vs Morocco Match, Came Prepared — Dikko

OpeOluwani Akintayo — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 10:27:54 +0000

Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has said that the Senegal national team came “well prepared” for Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final after learning lessons from the Nigeria vs Morocco match.

Dikko said this during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, saying the controversial officiating in the last match between the Super Eagles and Morocco fueled Senegal’s preparation.

“Senegal learned from what happened to Nigeria, probably in the last match. The officiating was not what it’s supposed to be. Everybody felt a bit off because all the second balls went to Morocco, so Senegal came prepared.”

Senegal won the 2025 Africa Cup Of Nation (AFCON) against Morocco, giving them 1-0 in extra time on Sunday.

Pape Gueye’s goal gave them a 1-0 extra-time win over the host, Morocco, at the end of the match.

Despite the Senegal win, the NSC chairman condemned their attitude, saying “the rules are rules, they brought the game to disrepute, and I’m sure they’re going to hear from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), for what they did.

“Football is not played like that, and the referee’s decision isn’t supposed to be challenged.”

He, however, noted that “ African football has taken a hit”, as “It was a very brilliant competition” at the end of the day.

“But this incident in the final might define this competition despite all the investment, the brilliant facilities, and organisation.

“If you look at all the other matches, they were good, and okay, the only matches that were having issues were the matches involving the host country, maybe due to the pressure from the fans,” he added.

According to him, “what happened was really bad for African football.

“I hope something will be done at the end of the day anyway. But from the host side, the next host should learn from that, and also the referee should learn that going forward, you don’t do this kind of thing just because you’re working against the host.

“So I think lessons were learned and I’m sure the Confederation of African Football (CAF) will surely do something about it,” he said.

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FIFA Condemns Senegal For ‘Unacceptable Scenes’ In AFCON Final

Channels Television — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 09:16:53 +0000

FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned “some Senegal players” for the “unacceptable scenes” which overshadowed their victory in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final when they walked off the pitch in protest at a penalty awarded to Morocco.

“It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right.”

Senegal supporters clash during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final football match between Senegal and Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)

African football’s showpiece event was marred by most of the Senegalese players walking off the pitch when deep into injury time of normal play, with the match all square at 0-0, Morocco were awarded a spot-kick following a VAR check for a challenge on Brahim Diaz.

Senegal’s former Liverpool star Sadio Mane remained on the pitch and urged his team-mates to come back onto the pitch for the penalty.

They were already furious at having a goal disallowed at the other end for a soft-looking foul minutes earlier.

Meanwhile trouble broke out in the stands as some Senegalese fans tried to enter the field of play and became involved in fighting with security personnel.

The game was held up for almost 20 minutes before Diaz could take the penalty, and his weak ‘panenka’ kick was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Pape Gueye then went on to score a brilliant goal in the fourth minute of extra time to give his team a 1-0 win.

Infantino while congratulating Morocco on “a fantastic tournament, both as runners-up and exceptional hosts” — a boost ahead of them co-hosting the men’s 2030 World Cup — said teams have to abide by the match officials’ decisions.

“We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play,” he said.

“Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.”

Infantino, who will be hoping there are no such scenes in this year’s World Cup finals being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, said images such as those on Sunday sent the wrong message to supporters round the world.

“It is also the responsibility of teams and players to act responsibly and set the right example for fans in the stadiums and millions watching around the world,” he said.

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Factfile For Africa Cup Of Nations Champions Senegal

Emmanuel Monye — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 22:19:59 +0000

Factfile for 2025 Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal (aet denotes after extra time):

Path to glory: Group D – Botswana 3-0, Democratic Republic of Congo 1-1, Benin 3-0; Last 16 – Sudan 3-1; Quarter-final – Mali 1-0; Semi-final – Egypt 1-0; Final – Morocco 1-0 aet

Scorers: 3 – Pape Gueye; 2 – Nicolas Jackson, Sadio Mane, Cherif Ndiaye; 1 – Habib Diallo, Ibrahim Mbaye, Iliman Ndiaye, Abdoulaye Seck

Captain: Idrissa Gueye, midfielder. (First-choice Kalidou Koulibaly suspended)

Coach: Pape Thiaw (SEN)

Rankings: 2 Africa, 19 world

Previous appearances: 17

Best placings: Champions 2022, 2025

Most goals scored: Ethiopia 5-1 (1965)

Most goals conceded: Angola 1-3 (2008)

Popular name: Teranga Lions

AFP

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AFCON Final Full Time: Senegal 1:0 Morocco

Donatus Anichukwueze — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 18:35:09 +0000

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which began with 24 teams reached its climax as two sides battled for the ultimate prize at the 69,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday.

Hosts Morocco and Senegal, both former champions, aimed to add a second AFCON title to their history when they clashed in the final for the coveted trophy.

It was Senegal who too the dat after a pulsating 120 minutes of football, preventing Morocco from ending a 50-year wait to win a second continental title.

Channels Television brought you live updates from the AFCON 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco.

Full Time: Senegal 1:0 Morocco

108′ Aguerd hits the bar! His header beats Mendy but crashes off the crossbar as Senegal survive the scare. Senegal 1:0 Morocco.

106′ Second half of extra time starts: Morocco restart as Senegal bring on Jakobs for Diouf. Fans tense at both ends.

103’ – Morocco on the attack, Senegal defending.

98′ Morocco sub: Diaz off, Akhomach on after a tough night, including the missed penalty.

94′ GOAL! Papa Gueye puts Senegal ahead, 1-0 vs Morocco.

Extra time begins: Morocco start the first half.

90+24′ Diaz misses penalty! He tries a panenka, but Mendy reads it and makes the save.

90+17′ Penalty Controversy. Senegal leave the field: The team heads off sadly, while Morocco gather at midfield.

90+8′ Penalty! Morocco awarded a late spot-kick in stoppage time of the AFCON 2025 final. Senegal protest, but it could decide the game.

90+2′ Senegal goal overruled due to foul. Senegal almost land a late winner, but it is quickly turned away by the referee!

89′ Morocco make a change: El Yamiq replaces the injured, tearful Masina.

86′ Papa Gueye misses! He mishits a volley from outside the box.

77′ Senegal make first changes: Mbaye, Sarr, and Seck replace Ndiaye, Mendy, and Camara.

66′ Morocco win a corner! Hakimi’s cross is cleared, but El Aynaoui goes down bleeding after a clash with Diouf. Play paused. Senegal 0:0 Morocco.

63′ Morocco miss again! El Kaabi’s shot is blocked, then Ezzalzouli fires over. Senegal survive. Senegal 0:0 Morocco

59′ El Kaabi misses! He’s left with an easy chance but shoots wide. Senegal stay in the game.

51′ Senegal handle a dangerous second corner as Morocco grows into the half.

50′ Morocco win an early corner in the second half. Hakimi swings it in, El Khannous keeps it alive, but Senegal clears for another right-side corner. Senegal 0:0 Morocco

45′ Second half begins

It is Senegal that get us underway this time, and interestingly, no changes from either side so far.

Half-time: Senegal 0:0 Morocco

Despite both sides having three shots each, Senegal have been the more threatening, with Bounou producing two brilliant saves to keep Morocco in the game.

38′ Bounou to the rescue! Ndiaye breaks free on the right and fires at the far post, but the keeper blocks with his right shin to force a corner. Morocco clears the danger.

33′ Ezzalzouli with a free kick into the box, but it sails over.
He puts too much height and curl on it, and it drifts past the back post for a Senegal goal kick.

31′ Mazraoui is taken down! Ndiaye’s late challenge sends the Manchester United defender crashing to the ground in obvious pain.
Morocco earns a free kick on the left flank

24′ First yellow of the match goes to Camara after a late sliding tackle on El Aynaoui, leaving Moroccan players and fans fuming.

14′ Saibari’s effort flashes wide of the target. Salibari, cutting in from the left, lets fly with a fierce shot, but it sails well wide of the near post. Still Senegal 0:0 Morocco.

9′ Morocco attacks! Ezzalzouli plays a squared ball into the box, but it goes begging.

6′ Senegal secure the first corner of the match. It is delivered from the left side towards the back post.

The ball finds Papa Gueye, who tries to direct his header across goal, but Bounou is able to push away the opportunity for a right-side corner.

20:20 Kick Off

And we are underway! It’s Morocco who kick off the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations final. They’ll be attacking from right to left on your screens.

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‘We’re The Best Team,’ Akor Adams Praises Super Eagles’ Unity After AFCON Bronze Finish

Tom Jones Usen — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 10:39:09 +0000

Super Eagles forward Akor Adams has praised the spirit and unity within the Nigerian team after their impressive run at the AFCON tournament in Morocco, which ended with a bronze medal finish.

Nigeria went through the competition recording five wins and eventually losing in the semi-finals to the hosts on penalties, a performance Adams believes underlines the quality of the squad.

“We’re the best. We’re the best team. We came for the gold, and we did not take it, but we are proud of what we have been able to achieve. We are a very strong group.”

”Everybody is going home with a better friendship with the next person, as a better person,” Adams said in a post-match interview on Saturday after beating Egypt 4-2 on penalties.

The striker reserved special praise for head coach Eric Chelle, crediting him with building a united and disciplined group within a short period.

“We are all grateful to Eric Chelle for what he has done for us as a group in the last three weeks. We are better people because of him,”

”He has given me the opportunity to represent my beloved Nigeria.”

Nigeria’s head coach Eric Chelle reacts during a training session at Mohammed VI football complex in Rabat, Morocco, on January 13, 2026, on the eve of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN)semi-final football match between Morocco and Nigeria. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP)

The tournament also came with personal challenges for the forward, as his mother was unwell during the competition.

Adams described the period as emotionally demanding but expressed gratitude for the support his family received.

“Like every other tournament, things will happen in between, and family issues are not separate from that,

“I’m grateful it was not anything too big or out of control. I’m also grateful to the CAF medical team because they took care of her. She’s much better now, and I’m glad we got to experience this together.”

Despite the pride in the team’s achievement, Adams admitted the bronze medal still came with mixed emotions.

“I’m not very happy, but the most important thing is we came out with a win,” he said, adding that celebrations would be modest.

“Some people came and went home with nothing. We’ll just go back to the hotel first, try to eat, and then we’ll see what happens.”

For the Sevilla forward, the experience remains overwhelmingly positive, marking his first major international tournament with the Super Eagles.

“Everything for me is positive. It’s my first. There’s nothing to compare it to, so it’s positive,” he said.

He also addressed incidents involving fan behaviour during the tournament, stressing the need for respect and sportsmanship across African football.

“I think you do not kick somebody when he’s down,” Adams stated. “He was passionate for his country, but when Congo lost, all that happened was not acceptable. It’s not acceptable in Africa.”

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Hosts Morocco Ready For Battle With Mane’s Senegal In AFCON Final

Tom Jones Usen — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 09:03:06 +0000

The Africa Cup of Nations reaches its climax on Sunday with a final showdown between the continent’s two leading footballing powerhouses as hosts Morocco look to win the title for the first time in 50 years when they take on Sadio Mane’s Senegal.

The match kicks off at 1900 GMT at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, where almost all of the crowd of 69,000 will be backing a Morocco side captained by African player of the year Achraf Hakimi.

The first AFCON ever to start in one year and end in another could be the second in a row to be won by the host nation, with the Atlas Lions aiming to follow in the footsteps of the Ivory Coast, crowned champions in front of their own fans in Abidjan in 2024.

Walid Regragui’s Morocco have established itself in recent years as Africa’s pre-eminent national team, becoming the first from the continent to reach a World Cup semi-final in 2022 and climbing to 11th place in the world rankings, just above Italy.

However, they have long been AFCON underachievers, with their only title to date coming in 1976. This will be their first final since 2004, when they lost to Tunisia with Regragui part of the team.

Senegal, meanwhile, are appearing in their third final in four editions and are targeting a second title to follow their 2022 triumph, when Mane scored the decisive penalty in a shoot-out win over Egypt in Yaounde.

(COMBO) This combination of pictures created on January 16, 2026 shows Senegal’s head coach Pape Thiaw (L) in Tangiers on January 14, 2026 and Morocco’s head coach Walid Regragui in Rabat on January 9, 2026. Senegal and Morocco will face each other in the final of the Africa Cup of Nation (CAN) football tournament in Rabat on January 18, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS and SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP)

“We dreamt of being here and now we have done it,” Regragui told reporters in the Moroccan capital on Saturday.

He has been under suffocating pressure to deliver the title for the football-mad nation, and would perhaps not have kept his job through to the approaching World Cup in North America had he not at least taken the team this far.

“I hope this is just the beginning and not our last AFCON final,” he added.

“Big football nations want to be up there on a regular basis. Tomorrow (Sunday) we want to try to make history.”

He added: “Senegal will need to be really strong to beat us at home, although they are capable.”

Morocco’s success over the last four weeks has been based around the attacking inspiration of Real Madrid winger Brahim Diaz, the tournament’s top scorer with five goals, as well as a defence which has conceded only once — and that a penalty in a group-stage draw with Mali.

– Security concerns –

(COMBO) This combination of pictures created on January 16, 2026 shows Morocco’s goalkeeper #01 Yassine Bounou during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) in Rabat on January 9, 2026 and Senegal’s goalkeeper #16 Edouard Mendy in Tangiers on January 9, 2026. Senegal and Morocco will face each other in the final of the Africa Cup of Nation (CAN) football tournament in Rabat on January 18, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS and Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP)

Being at home brings extra pressure, but can also be a huge advantage, and Senegal have complained about the conditions in which they were welcomed to Rabat ahead of the game.

The Lions of Teranga were based in the northern port city of Tangiers for the duration of the tournament before arriving in Rabat by train on Friday.

The Senegalese Football Federation complained in a statement about “serious concerns” including a “lack of adequate security” for the team’s arrival “which put the players and staff at risk”.

It also complained about the hotel offered to the delegation, the fact that they were given fewer than 3,000 tickets for their supporters for the final, and about being offered a training pitch at the Moroccan team’s base in nearby Sale.

“What happened was not normal,” said Senegal coach Pape Thiaw.

“Given the number there, anything could have happened. My players could have been in danger.

“That type of thing should not happen between two brother countries.”

Senegal’s star player Mane, a two-time winner of the African player of the year prize, said after netting the winner in the semi-final against Egypt that Sunday’s game would be his last ever AFCON appearance.

Remarkably, Thiaw insisted on the eve of the game that the former Liverpool forward may have no choice but to rethink that decision.

“I think he made his decision in the heat of the moment and the country does not agree, and I as coach of the national team do not agree,” said Thiaw.

“We would like to keep him for as long as possible,” added the coach, who is without centre-back and captain Kalidou Koulibaly due to suspension.

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