AFCON 2025 Final: Hakimi, Mane Set For Rabat Showdown- Ekohotblog

AFCON 2025 Final: Hakimi, Mane Set For Rabat Showdown
Senegal target second crown with Mane leading
Security concerns add tension to Rabat final

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations reaches its climax on Sunday as hosts Morocco face defending champions Senegal in a high stakes final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Kick off is scheduled for 7pm GMT, with a near capacity crowd of 69,000 expected to back the Atlas Lions as they chase a first AFCON title in 50 years. Morocco are bidding to become the second successive host nation to lift the trophy, following Ivory Coast’s home triumph in 2024.

Led by captain and African Player of the Year Achraf Hakimi, Morocco have reinforced their status as Africa’s leading football force in recent years. Under coach Walid Regragui, they became the first African team to reach a World Cup semi final in 2022 and currently sit 11th in the FIFA rankings. Yet, their AFCON history has been modest, with only the 1976 title to their name.

“This is not our last AFCON final, I hope,” Regragui said on Saturday. “Big football nations want to be here regularly. Tomorrow we want to try to make history.”

Morocco’s run to the final has been built on defensive solidity and attacking flair. Real Madrid winger Brahim Diaz leads the tournament’s scoring chart with five goals, while the team have conceded just once, a group stage penalty against Mali.

Senegal, appearing in their third final in four editions, are aiming for a second title after winning in 2022. Sadio Mane, a two time African Player of the Year, remains central to their hopes, despite confirming after the semi final that Sunday’s match would be his final AFCON appearance.

“I think he made that decision in the heat of the moment,” Senegal coach Pape Thiaw said. “The country does not agree, and I do not agree.”

Senegal have raised concerns over security arrangements and logistics following their arrival in Rabat, issues Thiaw said “should not happen between two brother countries.”

The final sets up a compelling duel between continental giants, with history and pride firmly on the line.