TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Senegalese national team is set to face hosts Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The match is scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2026, kicking off at 2:00 a.m. Western Indonesian Time. Both teams secured their spots in the title decider following a pair of grueling and high-stakes semifinal encounters.
Morocco booked their place in the final by overcoming Nigeria 4-2 in a penalty shootout, following a tense goalless draw that persisted through extra time. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero of the night, guiding the Atlas Lions to their first final appearance in 22 years. In front of a raucous home crowd, Bounou delivered a masterclass in shot-stopping, saving two crucial spot-kicks from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi.
Neil El Aynaoui and Paul Onuachu, the opening kickers for both sides, converted their attempts. Nigeria briefly led when goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saved Hamza Igamane's shot. However, Bounou responded by reading Chukwueze's strike to level the score.
Third kickers Elisse Ben Seghir and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scored to keep the tally even. Achraf Hakimi, the fourth kicker, converted to make it 3-2.
Bounou then thwarted Onyemaechi's attempt to maintain the advantage. Youssef En-Nesyri struck the deciding goal to make it 4-2 and secure a place in the final as the stadium erupted.
For Nigeria, the defeat marks a second consecutive failure to reach the AFCON final. They now prepare to face Egypt in the third-place match at Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca, on Saturday evening, January 17, 2026.
Meanwhile, Senegal advanced to the final by defeating Egypt 1-0. Sadio Mane scored the winning goal in the 78th minute.
Comments from the Moroccan Team
Goalkeeper Bounou expressed gratitude for the support from fans and teammates. He also thanked coach Walid Regragui for the team's semifinal preparation. "It gives us extra motivation to repay their trust," he said, as reported by cafonline.com on Friday, January 16, 2026.
Following the match, Bounou stated he would focus on recovery and final preparations, determined to deliver for the supporters.
Coach Regragui also thanked the supporters. "I thank the players, we are proud of them, and I also thank the Moroccan fans who truly deserve this achievement," he said.
Senegalese Comments
Senegalese player Sadio Mane identified the key to their semifinal success. "From the start, we worked together. We avoided individual mistakes or unnecessary fouls," he said, as quoted by cafonline.com on Friday, January 16, 2026.
Mane noted the team managed the game effectively from start to finish. He stated they will now focus on a final featuring two exceptional teams. "We'll see, and we'll try to be ready for the final, especially to give our best."
Senegalese coach Pape Thiaw expressed satisfaction in guiding the squad to the final. "It's not easy playing against a good team like Egypt. My players are determined to win the match, and their determination showed on the pitch," he said. "Now we will focus on preparing for the final and will give our all."
AFCON Performance History
Morocco seeks a second Africa Cup of Nations title, having last won in 1976. They reached the final in 2004 but lost 2-1 to Tunisia.
Senegal secured their first title in the 2021 edition, defeating Egypt 4-2 on penalties following a goalless draw. That victory followed previous final defeats in 2002 and 2019.
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