RABAT: Morocco will look to cement their status as one of Africa’s dominant football powers and end a 50-year wait for continental glory when they face Senegal in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat.
The North African side have been a major force on the continent for more than a decade, enjoying sustained success across age groups and benefiting from strong political and financial backing. Morocco’s rise has been underlined by heavy investment in players, infrastructure and facilities, several of which have recently been upgraded ahead of their co-hosting of the 2030 World Cup alongside Portugal and Spain.
Yet the Africa Cup of Nations has remained their elusive prize. Despite entering recent tournaments as favourites, Morocco have repeatedly fallen short, making Sunday’s final a crucial opportunity to finally convert long-term progress into silverware.
Standing in their way are defending champions Senegal, who boast a formidable and experienced squad. The West Africans have lost just once in their last 34 internationals — a friendly defeat to Brazil in London two months ago — and are making their third final appearance in the last four AFCON editions. With talisman Sadio Mane leading the line, Senegal have both pedigree and belief.
Morocco’s confidence, however, is rooted in recent history. Since becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final in Qatar in 2022, they have topped the continental rankings and last year set a record for consecutive international victories, extending their winning run to 19 matches.
With history, pride and continental supremacy at stake, Sunday’s final promises a gripping contest between two of Africa’s modern heavyweights.
