Morocco's 50-year Wait for Glory as Senegal Stand in Way
For the Atlas Lions, Sunday's Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal marks a historic opportunity to cap years of investment and expectation. Morocco boasts the best defense at the finals, with five clean sheets and only one goal conceded by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou from the penalty spot. However, they will face a stern examination from Sadio Mane's Teranga Lions side, who have scored 12 times en route to booking their place in Rabat.
A 50-year wait for glory has been on the minds of Moroccans since their last Afcon triumph in Ethiopia in 1976. The team has rarely come close to lifting the trophy since then, with this being just their second appearance in the final since then. Morocco boasts a top scorer in Brahim Diaz and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou among its ranks.
Senegal's talisman Sadio Mane is keen to pick up another winner's medal after seemingly announcing that this will be his last appearance at Afcon. The 33-year-old netted the winning penalty in the 2021 final, also against the Pharaohs, and proved once again that he is the man for the big occasion.
The Teranga Lions have an array of attacking talent alongside Mane, with Iliman Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson, Habib Diallo, Ismaila Sarr, and 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye all offering a goal threat. They will feature in the final for the fourth time and are bidding to claim their second Afcon crown, having claimed their maiden trophy at the 2021 edition in Cameroon.
Morocco's victory would not only cap years of investment but also give them a place in history books, with the Atlas Lions' coach Walid Regragui keen to lead his team to glory. He has been under intense pressure to deliver the trophy and now has one final hurdle to overcome.
The game is expected to provide an intimidating atmosphere for Senegal, but the Teranga Lions are confident in their abilities after defeating Egypt in the last four thanks to a second-half strike from Mane. The focus will be on the details, with both teams knowing that it is the kind of game where concentration and discipline will make all the difference.
In the end, Morocco's 50-year wait for glory hangs precariously in the balance as Senegal stand in their way. Will the Atlas Lions finally claim their second Afcon title, or will Mane and his team spoil the party? Only time will tell.
For the Atlas Lions, Sunday's Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal marks a historic opportunity to cap years of investment and expectation. Morocco boasts the best defense at the finals, with five clean sheets and only one goal conceded by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou from the penalty spot. However, they will face a stern examination from Sadio Mane's Teranga Lions side, who have scored 12 times en route to booking their place in Rabat.
A 50-year wait for glory has been on the minds of Moroccans since their last Afcon triumph in Ethiopia in 1976. The team has rarely come close to lifting the trophy since then, with this being just their second appearance in the final since then. Morocco boasts a top scorer in Brahim Diaz and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou among its ranks.
Senegal's talisman Sadio Mane is keen to pick up another winner's medal after seemingly announcing that this will be his last appearance at Afcon. The 33-year-old netted the winning penalty in the 2021 final, also against the Pharaohs, and proved once again that he is the man for the big occasion.
The Teranga Lions have an array of attacking talent alongside Mane, with Iliman Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson, Habib Diallo, Ismaila Sarr, and 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye all offering a goal threat. They will feature in the final for the fourth time and are bidding to claim their second Afcon crown, having claimed their maiden trophy at the 2021 edition in Cameroon.
Morocco's victory would not only cap years of investment but also give them a place in history books, with the Atlas Lions' coach Walid Regragui keen to lead his team to glory. He has been under intense pressure to deliver the trophy and now has one final hurdle to overcome.
The game is expected to provide an intimidating atmosphere for Senegal, but the Teranga Lions are confident in their abilities after defeating Egypt in the last four thanks to a second-half strike from Mane. The focus will be on the details, with both teams knowing that it is the kind of game where concentration and discipline will make all the difference.
In the end, Morocco's 50-year wait for glory hangs precariously in the balance as Senegal stand in their way. Will the Atlas Lions finally claim their second Afcon title, or will Mane and his team spoil the party? Only time will tell.
... Morocco's been building up to this moment for ages but I think they're gonna get caught out by Senegal's attacking power 
. 50 years is a long wait, but I'm still worried they might fall short. Bounou is solid in goal but Mane's got some serious skills and his team has depth on attack 
. Moroccans are hoping for a history-making win but I think it's gonna be close 
. Can't help but feel that Senegal are the stronger team here 
meanwhile moroccos defense is on fire 
but mane's goal-scoring record speaks for itself 
50 yrs wait is a long time tho lol 
, and with all those other talented players, they're gonna give Morocco a run for their money. I'm thinking the pressure might get to Morocco tho 
, especially with Walid Regragui's coaching job on the line. Can't wait to see who comes out on top! 
! Morocco's been preparing for this moment for ages and they've got a solid defense behind them 
. Their coach Walid Regragui has been saying all the right things and he's definitely got the pressure on his shoulders 
. Will they finally make it happen? Fingers crossed for the Atlas Lions! 
. They've been waiting for 50 years, that's dedication & perseverance 
. Senegal is a tough opponent though 
. Mane is like a legend on the field, his experience & skillset are unmatched 
. This final is gonna be an intense match, it's anyone's game