Senegal is set to meet Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final this weekend.
Having provided plenty of skills, spills and entertainment, a new AFCON winner will be crowned in Rabat, on Sunday, after the two heavyweight semi-finals saw Senegal beat Egypt and Morocco overcame Nigeria to set up the showdown that will see two of the continent’s biggest nations come face-to-face.
The Lions of Teranga’s Sadio Mane scoring the winning goal in what was a turgid game of football. Meanwhile, hosts Morocco needed penalties to overcome Nigeria in Rabat, with Youssef En-Nesyri netted the winning spot-kick at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
It was defender Bruno Onyemaechi who missed the crucial penalty for the Super Eagles, with his effort being saved by Bono. The Atlas Lions fell behind after Hamza Igamane had been denied by Stanley Nwabali, but Samuel Chukwueze’s effort was saved by the Moroccan ‘keeper.
With the host nation looking to claim a first AFCON title in 50 years, Morocco vs Senegal is scheduled to take place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, there are no injury worries for the Atlas Lions against Nigeria, nor did they pick up any bookings that could see any key players suspended.
Senegal picked up one absentee and two suspensions against Egypt, with two of those being captain Kalidou Koulibaly, who was suspended for the final after being booked early on and was subsequently withdrawn with what appeared to be a groin injury. The other was down to Habib Diarra, suspended after being booked for dissent.
Morocco’s home form sees them unbeaten on home soil since 2009. Since then, they have gone unbeaten, and that record could see them smash that 50-year drought without the African crown.
Star-studded Senegalese boasts countless match-winners, including former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane, who stepped up to the plate when it mattered to see the Lions into the final. For striker, Nicolas Jackson, he will be looking to shine on Sunday, and be the hero in what looks like being a very tight, tense affair.
