Two of the Africa Cup of Nations favorites will collide in a contest of continental kingpins when host Morocco faces Nigeria in Wednesday’s semi-final

The Senegalese Football Federation has made serious complaints about the way its national soccer team is being treated in Morocco ahead of Sunday's Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco.

Can Senegal spoil the Moroccan party in Rabat? Can they overcome some important suspensions? Talking points ahead of the AFCON 2026 final.

Morocco beat Nigeria on penalties after a goalless draw to book their place in the 2025 AFCON final. Morocco penalties scored: El Aynaoui, Ben Seghir, Hakimi, En-Nesyri; Morocco penalties saved: Igamane.

The game in Rabat (19:00 GMT) pits the continent's top two teams against one another, with the North Africans ranked 11th in the world and the Teranga Lions eight places below them.

On the pitch, Morocco is in its first final since 2004 and has only won the tournament once, in 1976. Led by manager Walid Regragui, the side has become a formidable opponent, currently rated 11th in the Fifa men’s world rankings.

After winning Group D by going undefeated during the group stage, Senegal had the joint best defensive record, allowing only one goal in group stage play. Pushing to the knockout stage, they were able to fend off Sudan before Mali's red card made advancing past the quarterfinals a breeze.

The Africa Cup of Nations final takes place on Sunday as hosts Morocco have a chance of glory but Senegal's superstars stand in the way.

Morocco are handed a North African derby with Algeria and holders Nigeria will face Zambia in the group stage at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations.

Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Morocco could line up for Sunday's Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal.