Hosts Morocco face Sadio Mane’s Senegal in the AFCON final, with both teams aiming for continental glory amid pressure and off-field complaints.
RABAT: The Africa Cup of Nations concludes with a heavyweight final between hosts Morocco and defending champions Senegal on Sunday.
The match at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium pits Africa’s top-ranked team against the continent’s most consistent recent performers.
Morocco, captained by Achraf Hakimi, are seeking their first title since 1976 in front of a fervent home crowd.
Coach Walid Regragui acknowledged the immense pressure to deliver for the football-mad nation.
“I hope this is just the beginning and not our last AFCON final,” Regragui told reporters.
He added that Senegal “will need to be really strong to beat us at home, although they are capable.”
Morocco’s run has been built on a stout defence, conceding just once, and the attacking flair of tournament top scorer Brahim Diaz.
Senegal, appearing in their third final in four editions, aim for a second title following their 2022 triumph.
Star forward Sadio Mane, who scored the decisive penalty in the 2022 final, stated this would be his last AFCON appearance.
Coach Pape Thiaw suggested the nation hopes Mane will reconsider his retirement decision.
“We would like to keep him for as long as possible,” Thiaw said.
Senegal’s preparations have been marred by complaints about their reception in Rabat.
The Senegalese Football Federation cited “serious concerns” over a lack of security upon arrival and inadequate hotel and training facilities.
“What happened was not normal,” Thiaw stated.
“My players could have been in danger.”
Senegal will be without suspended captain Kalidou Koulibaly for the final showdown.
