Pape Thiaw expects a tough match between Senegal and Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final

Senegal will face Morocco on Sunday 18 January in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. At a pre-match press conference on Saturday, the Senegal coach emphasised that this match will be no walk in the park.

Having defeated Egypt in the semi-finals of the tournament, Senegal will have to be at their best in the final against the host country, who will be playing in front of their home crowd. The Lions of Teranga are expecting an intense battle in Rabat, according to their coach, Pape Thiaw. ‘It won't be an easy match, either for them or for us. But what is certain is that we will stick to our principles,’ said the Senegalese coach.

Pape Thiaw also mentioned the chaotic reception given to the Senegalese delegation in Rabat on Friday, 16 January 2026. ‘What happened yesterday at the station is unacceptable. My players were exposed, anything could have happened. This must not happen again, especially between two brotherly countries.’