Senegal vs Morocco prediction, H2H and probable lineups — January 18, 2026
The Africa Cup of Nations final will feature a clash between Senegal and Morocco. The match will take place in Rabat on Sunday, January 18, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 Central European Time. Here’s my pick for the winner of this showdown.
Match preview
Senegal has confidently paved its way to the final, rightfully earning another shot at the trophy. Remarkably, the "Lions of Teranga" are appearing in their third final in the last four tournaments (champions in 2021, runners-up in 2019).
Thiava's men cruised through the group stage, dominating their section. Convincing victories over Botswana and Benin, along with a draw against DR Congo, saw them progress to the knockouts where Sudan awaited in the first round.
A brace from Pape Gueye and a goal from the young Mbaye propelled Senegal into the quarterfinals, where Iliman Ndiaye's decisive strike secured victory over Mali. Throughout the tournament, Senegal have played on the front foot, creating more chances than their opponents and focusing on ball possession.
The same approach paid off in the semifinal against Egypt, where Sadio Mane's 78th-minute goal sent the team to the final. However, coach Thiaw will have some headaches before Rabat, as key defender Kalidou Koulibaly is at risk of missing out after picking up an injury in the previous match.
Morocco, meanwhile, has reached the final for the first time since 2004 and is chasing gold after their historic 1976 triumph. Playing at home, the Atlas Lions came in as one of the tournament favorites, boasting arguably the strongest generation in Moroccan football history.
After an opening win over Comoros and a draw with Mali, Morocco thrashed Zambia. Seven points were enough for Regragui’s side to top their group.
In the first knockout round, Tanzania put up little resistance, though the Atlas Lions managed only a narrow win. Against Cameroon, Morocco controlled the contest, scoring in each half to claim a convincing victory.
Notably, Brahim Diaz found the net in each of Morocco’s first five games, setting a new scoring record for the national team at the Africa Cup of Nations. In the semifinal against Nigeria, the Real Madrid star failed to score, and the match went to penalties, where Bono emerged as the hero by saving two Super Eagles spot-kicks.
Match facts
- Senegal has won four consecutive matches, conceding just one goal in that span.
- Morocco has kept four straight clean sheets.
- Neither team has lost in this tournament.
- Senegal averages 2 goals per game, while Morocco averages 1.5 goals per game.
Probable lineups
- Senegal: Mendy, Diatta, Sarr, Niakate, Diouf, Idrissa Gueye, Pape Gueye, Diarra, Mane, Ndiaye, Jackson.
- Morocco: Bono, Hakimi, Aguerd, Masina, Mazraoui, El Ainaoui, Khannouss, Saibari, Ezzelzouli, Diaz, El Kaabi.
H2H
The teams have faced off 25 times: Morocco has 14 wins, 6 draws, and Senegal has 5 victories.
Prediction
According to the bookmakers, Morocco enters as a slight favorite. Both squads are packed with talent from Europe’s top clubs, so expect a tense and thrilling contest. My tip: back Morocco to win with a 0 handicap.
