AFCON: Morocco, Senegal aim for 2nd title as Atlas Lions seek to end 50-year drought on home soil

​​​​​​​By Emre Asikci

RABAT (AA) - Rabat is all set to crown the new kings of Africa.

The historic Moroccan metropolis is hosting Africa's single-biggest showdown between host nation Morocco and Senegal -- the first time both nations are meeting in the final of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

With a seating capacity of 69,500, Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium will host the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final at 1900GMT.

- Hosts Morocco, Senegal reach final undefeated

Morocco's path in Group A was a masterclass in consistency and growth. They launched their campaign with a solid 2-0 win against Comoros, setting a high standard from the opening whistle.

The Atlas Lions finished top of the group and advanced to the round of 16 after drawing 1-1 with Mali and beating Zambia 3-0.

After beating Tanzania 1-0 and Cameroon 2-0 in the quarterfinals, Morocco faced Nigeria, the home country of Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen, in the semifinals.

The semifinal went to penalties after neither side could break the deadlock in 90 minutes or extra time.

Morocco won the shootout 4-2, securing their place in the final.

Fenerbahce player Youssef En Nesyri converted Morocco's fifth penalty, taking his country to their first final since 2004.

The host nation has clinched the cup only once in its history, 50 years ago in 1976.

- Senegal to play its 4th AFCON final, first since 2021

Senegal, champions in 2021, began their Group D campaign with a statement 3-0 victory against Botswana. While a 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo briefly slowed their momentum, they regained top form in their final match by hammering Benin 3-0.

The clinical performance ensured the titleholders advanced comfortably, proving they remain a dominant force in the tournament.

Following their 3-1 victory against Sudan in the round of 16, the Lions of Teranga went on to defeat Mali 1-0 in the quarterfinals and Egypt 1-0 in the semifinals.

Having reached the final in three of the last four Africa Cup of Nations, Senegal will be playing in the final for the fourth time in the country's history.

- Egypt most successful nation in tournament

Egypt is the most successful nation in the tournament’s history, having won seven times, while Cameroon has won five times and Ghana with four.

Nigeria and the Ivory Coast have firmly established themselves among the continent's footballing elite, each securing three championship titles.

- Winner to receive $10M prize

The team that wins the tournament will receive a $10 million prize. The runner-up will receive $4 million, while the semifinalists will each receive $2.5 million.

- Goal scorer: Brahim Diaz

Real Madrid's right winger Brahim Diaz leads the scoring chart with five goals and will be Morocco's biggest asset in the final.

Galatasaray's Nigerian star Victor Osimhen and Liverpool's Mohamed Salah from Egypt are tied for second with four goals each.​​​​​​​