"Now or never" - Morocco head coach Walid Regragui eyes AFCON 2025 glory against Senegal

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui believes his side may never have a better opportunity to win the Africa Cup of Nations, as the hosts prepare to face Senegal in Sunday’s final of the 2025 tournament in Rabat.

“It’s now or never,” Regragui said at a press conference at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex. “Naturally, there is more pressure on us because we are playing at home. It will be important to control our emotions and stay calm.”

Morocco are chasing a first men's AFCON title since 1976 and have reached the final for the first time in 22 years, buoyed by strong home support throughout the competition.

Standing in their way are Senegal, one of Africa’s most consistent sides over the past decade. This final will be the Lions of Teranga’s third appearance in an AFCON showpiece in the last four editions.

Regragui acknowledged the scale of the challenge posed by Pape Thiaw's team but welcomed the occasion.

“To have the two best teams on the continent in the final is good for African football,” he said. “They are one of the best teams not just in Africa, but in the world, with a lot of quality and experience. Football isn’t just about talent. We need to fight and try to control the game.”

The Morocco coach expects a closely contested final but hopes home advantage will tilt the balance.

“It’s a 50-50 game,” he said. “But maybe 51 for us, because we are at home and we will have our fans behind us.”

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Unacceptable arrangements

Senegal lost the 2019 AFCON final to Algeria before winning the next edition on penalties against Egypt to claim their first continental title. After a disappointing last-16 exit as defending champions at the most recent tournament, they have responded with an impressive run to the final in Morocco.

Off the pitch, tensions have risen ahead of Sunday’s match. Senegal arrived in Rabat on Friday after spending most of the tournament in Tangier, with the country’s football association later issuing a statement complaining about inadequate security and hotel arrangements.

At his pre-match press conference, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw described the team’s arrival at Rabat train station as “dangerous”.

“What happened at the train station is abnormal and unacceptable,” he said. “They put my players at risk. We were exposed.”

Thiaw, however, dismissed the potential impact of the partisan home crowd.

“Morocco are favourites, no doubt,” he said. “But the fans will stay in the stands. The rest is decided on the pitch.”

The final will be played at the 68,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 local time (CET).

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