Senegal will face hosts Morocco in the final of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations after an emotionally charged semi-final night produced two tightly fought contests and decisive moments at opposite ends of the country.
Morocco booked their place in the final in Rabat after holding their nerve to defeat Nigeria 4–2 on penalties, following a goalless draw that stretched through extra time.
In Tangier, Senegal secured a narrow but significant 1–0 win over Egypt, ending the Pharaohs’ bid for a record-extending eighth AFCON title and confirming a heavyweight final pairing.
At the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Morocco were pushed to the limit by a disciplined Nigerian side in a semi-final defined by structure, patience and defensive organisation. Spurred on by a fervent home crowd, the Atlas Lions endured long spells without the ball but remained compact and composed as Nigeria probed for an opening.
Despite moments of pressure at both ends, neither side was able to break the deadlock in 90 minutes or during extra time, with goalkeepers and backlines dominating a contest where caution outweighed attacking risk.
The stalemate eventually led to penalties, where Morocco showed greater calm, converting four of their five spot-kicks as Nigeria faltered twice.
The shootout victory sent the Rabat crowd into celebration and secured Morocco’s first AFCON final appearance since their historic triumph on home soil in 1976.
Earlier in the evening, Senegal took another assured step in their quest to reaffirm their continental dominance with a 1–0 victory over Egypt at the Stade de Tangier.
The Lions of Teranga controlled large periods of a tense encounter against an experienced Egyptian side, demonstrating maturity and tactical discipline.
The decisive moment came through Sadio Mane, whose goal separated the two teams in a match where chances were limited and defensive concentration proved crucial. Senegal’s ability to manage the game thereafter frustrated Egypt, whose hopes of adding an eighth title to their record collection were ultimately extinguished.
The result underlined Senegal’s growing consistency at the highest level of African football and booked their return to the AFCON final, where they will aim to recapture the title they last won in 2021.
Sunday’s final will see two of the tournament’s most balanced sides go head-to-head, with Morocco seeking to crown a memorable home campaign and Senegal chasing further confirmation of their status among Africa’s elite.
The final is scheduled for Sunday, 18 January, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Before then, Nigeria and Egypt will meet in the third-place play-off on Saturday, January 17, at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.
With a host nation fuelled by home support and a reigning powerhouse driven by recent success, the stage is set for a compelling climax to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
