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

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.

Nesyri scored the winning penalty and Yassine “Bono” Bounou saved two as Morocco booked its place in the Africa Cup of Nations final with a 4-2 win on penalties over Nigeria on Wednesday.

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.

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