Senegal vs Morocco – AFCON Final Prediction, Tips & Team News (Jan 18, 2026)
The Africa Cup of Nations reaches its climax this Sunday as Senegal face Morocco in Rabat. The Atlas Lions are chasing their first continental crown in 50 years, while the Lions of Teranga aim to defend their title. Kick-off is set for 20:00 GMT+1 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Match Overview
- Safe Tip: Morocco Double Chance (2X) – Odds 1.34
- High Risk Tip: Both Teams to Score – No (NG) – Odds 1.73
- Winner Odds: Senegal 3.44 | Draw 3.06 | Morocco 2.29
Senegal – Suspensions Hit Hard
Senegal booked their place in the final after edging Egypt 1-0 in the semi-finals, thanks to a decisive strike from Sadio Mané. The star forward has been influential throughout the tournament with 2 goals and 3 assists. His duel against Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi promises fireworks.
Midfield dominance has been a strength, with Idrissa Gueye and Pape Gueye controlling games. However, Senegal face a major setback: Kalidou Koulibaly and Habib Diarra are suspended after picking up yellow cards in the last round.
Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):
Mendy; Diouf, Niakhaté, M. Sarr, Diatta; I. Gueye, P. Gueye, Camara; Mané, Jackson, I. Ndiaye.
AFCON 2025 Results:
- Senegal 3-0 Botswana
- Senegal 1-1 DR Congo
- Benin 0-3 Senegal
- Senegal 3-1 Sudan
- Mali 0-1 Senegal
- Senegal 1-0 Egypt
Morocco – Defence the Key to Glory
Morocco’s campaign has been built on defensive resilience. With Hakimi, Mazraoui and Aguerd at the back, plus goalkeeper Yassine Bounou they’ve conceded just one goal in six matches.
In attack, Brahim Díaz has been the standout performer with 5 goals, while Ayoub El Kaabi has added 3. Coach Walid Regragui has no fresh injury concerns and is expected to stick with his trusted lineup.
Predicted Lineup (4-1-4-1):
Bounou; Mazraoui, Masina, Aguerd, Hakimi; El Aynaoui; Ezzalzouli, Saibari, El Khannouss, Díaz; El Kaabi.
AFCON 2025 Results:
- Morocco 2-0 Comoros
- Morocco 1-1 Mali
- Zambia 0-3 Morocco
- Morocco 1-0 Tanzania
- Cameroon 0-2 Morocco
- Nigeria 0-0 Morocco (won 4-2 on penalties)
Betting Prediction
- Safe Tip: Morocco Double Chance (2X). Their defensive solidity and home support make them tough to beat.
- Correct Score Prediction: Senegal 0-1 Morocco.
- High Risk Tip: Both Teams to Score – No (NG). With only one goal scored across both semi-finals, caution is expected again.
Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)
- Aug 2025: Morocco 2-1 Senegal (AFCON Qualifying, won on penalties)
- Oct 2020: Morocco 3-1 Senegal
- May 2012: Morocco 0-1 Senegal
- Aug 2011: Senegal 0-2 Morocco
- Nov 2007: Morocco 3-0 Senegal
Final Word
With Senegal missing key players and Morocco boasting the tournament’s best defence, the Atlas Lions look well-placed to end their 50-year wait for AFCON glory finally. Expect a tight, tactical battle under the lights in Rabat.