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Morocco will face Senegal tomorrow, Sunday, at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in the Moroccan capital, Rabat, in the final of the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (Morocco 2025). The highly anticipated showdown brings together two of Africa's most formidable sides in a clash worthy of the continent's premier tournament.Morocco enter the final buoyed by home advantage and the passionate backing of their supporters, amid widespread hopes of reclaiming a continental crown that has eluded them for nearly five decades. Their only Africa Cup of Nations title dates back to 1976.The hosts are counting on the fighting spirit of their players, tactical stability, and the valuable experience gained throughout the tournament, all of which have underpinned their impressive run to the final.Morocco secured their place in the decisive match after a grueling semi-final encounter against Nigeria. The contest ended in a goalless draw after regulation and extra time, before Morocco prevailed 4-2 in a penalty shootout. The match was marked by intense tactical battles and outstanding performances from both goalkeepers.Moroccan fans are placing their hopes on Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz, who leads the tournament's scoring chart with five goals and has been one of the competition's standout performers.Senegal, meanwhile, arrive in the final with aspirations of lifting the trophy for a second time, having claimed their maiden title in the 2021 edition. They boast a squad rich in international experience, spearheaded by Sadio Mane, alongside Idrissa Gueye and Ismaila Sarr, who form the backbone of the team.Senegal booked their place in the final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Egypt in the semi-finals, courtesy of a decisive goal from Sadio Mane. The match was characterized by high intensity and physical duels, ultimately settled by fine margins in Senegal's favor.However, Senegal have suffered a significant setback ahead of the final, with the confirmed absence of defender Kalidou Koulibaly and midfielder Habib Diarra due to suspension, adding to the challenge they face against the hosts.The final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations represents a true test of ambition and character for both sides. Morocco seek to harness home advantage to write a new chapter in their continental history, while Senegal aim to reaffirm their status among Africa's elite. All signs point to a captivating football spectacle eagerly awaited by fans across the continent.

Senegal’s 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye has emerged as a potential future star for African football, and ‌his role as a super substitute at the Africa Cup of ‌Nations could yet prove decisive ‍for his team.One of a number of exciting new players on display over the last three weeks at ⁠the tournament in Morocco, Mbaye has made ⁠the biggest impact, featuring in each of Senegal’s matches off the bench.As they prepare ‍to face Egypt in Wednesday's semi-final in Tangiers, his impact will be part of the planning as Senegal look to advance to Sunday’s final. His powerful and pacy running, dribbling skills, and a sharp nose for goal have given Senegal a serious addition to their already much-vaunted attack."He’s a gem, and we need to nurture him,” said coach Pape Bouna Thiaw. "We know what he can bring to this team, ‌and we will do everything we can to ensure he thrives and is at his best.”Mbaye netted in Senegal’s 3-1 win over Sudan in the round of 16, officially becoming, at 17 ‍years, 11 months, and 11 ⁠days, the second youngest ‌scorer in tournament history. The youngest is Chiva Nzigou of Gabon, who was allegedly 16 when he scored in the 2000 finals, but has since admitted being an age cheat, although the record is not expunged.Mbaye, who turns 18 this month, was close to a goal in Senegal’s second group game against the Democratic Republic of Congo when he was brought on a minute after the Congolese took the lead in Tangiers.Eight minutes later, a surging run down the right led to him firing off a shot that the goalkeeper could not hold, allowing Sadio Mane to equalise. "He ​has this spark within him. He's ‌young, but you don't notice that on the pitch. Every time he comes on, he brings something extra," said Senegal ⁠teammate Krepin Diatta.Mbaye won his first ‍cap in November, in a friendly against Brazil, having one month previously played for France’s under-19 team, with Thiaw visiting him at Paris St Germain to persuade him to switch allegiance. "It was easy to convince the player. Ibrahim wanted to play for Senegal," said the coach.They had been tracking him from last season when PSG used him as a ​starter for their opening match of the Ligue 1 campaign. He was an unused substitute in the Champions League final against Inter Milan in May and this season has started eight times for the French giants, including October’s Champions League win at Barcelona.Thiaw says the experience of rubbing shoulders with Senegal’s top players will be beneficial for Mbaye. "He is in a squad where he has the chance to work with players like Sadio Mane, who has won everything and can guide him, like Kalidou Koulibaly and ⁠Gana Gueye, who are familiar with the highest level. Now, we need to protect him properly,” added the coach. 

The Africa Cup of Nations has reached the semi-final stage and a tournament devoid of shocks now offers up two mouthwatering ties with hosts Morocco looking to see off the challenges of their fellow continental heavyweights. Mohamed Salah’s Egypt, Victor Osimhen’s Nigeria and Sadio Mane’s Senegal all remain in contention to win the trophy in Rabat next Sunday, even if home advantage still makes Morocco favourites. World Cup semi-finalists in 2022, Morocco are Africa’s top-ranked team and approach Wednesday’s semi-final against Nigeria in the capital defending an unbeaten record since losing to South Africa at the last AFCON. Walid Regragui’s side have conceded just one goal in five matches here and doubts about their ability to handle the enormous pressure of playing at home were blown away with their performance in beating Cameroon 2-0 in the quarter-finals. Captain and current African player of the year Achraf Hakimi is fit again after injury, and in Real Madrid winger Brahim Diaz – scorer of five goals in five games – they have probably the tournament’s outstanding player. “He can become the best player in the world if he wants to,” remarked Regragui after the Cameroon game. Morocco are Africa’s leading power right now and, unlike Nigeria, are gearing up for the World Cup. But their Cup of Nations record down the years has been underwhelming. This is their first semi-final since 2004, when they lost the final to Tunisia. Going further back, Morocco beat Nigeria en route to lifting the trophy in 1976 – half a century on, that remains their only continental title. Nigeria returned to Morocco with much to prove after a penalty shoot-out defeat by the Democratic Republic of Congo in a November play-off in Rabat ended their hopes of World Cup qualification. There might be 10 African countries participating at the World Cup and it is remarkable that Nigeria – with its footballing pedigree and the largest population on the continent – will not be among them. However, their performances over the last three weeks have shown that to be an anomaly. Nigeria were runners-up at the last Cup of Nations in 2024. Led by two former African players of the year in Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, they are this tournament’s top scorers with 14 goals. So what has changed from the failed World Cup qualifying campaign? “Nothing,” said coach Eric Chelle, appointed exactly a year ago. “This is the same team. The difference is just that they have improved because they know what I want.” Shocks have been effectively non-existent at this AFCON but Nigeria’s presence means four of the five top-ranked African teams are in the semis – the exception is Algeria, beaten by the Super Eagles on Saturday. Wednesday’s other semi-final in Tangiers between Egypt and Senegal is a repeat of the 2022 final, which the Lions of Teranga won on penalties. Senegal, ranked second in Africa and 19th in the world, were seen as the biggest threat to Morocco before the tournament and stand one game away from a third final appearance in four editions. They have an experienced side which includes Mane, who will come up against his old Liverpool teammate Salah. Their presence means the last five players to win the African player of the year prize are all in the semi-finals. Salah, who like Osimhen has four goals at the tournament, has never won AFCON, having twice been a losing finalist. He came to Morocco having fallen from favour at his club but seems to have found happiness again with his national team as he looks to fire Egypt to a record-extending eighth title. “I have won almost every honour, but this is the one I am waiting for,” said Salah after the quarter-final win over Ivory Coast, before insisting the Pharaohs are now the outsiders. “We are coming up against really good teams, most of whose players are based in Europe, which makes it easier for them. We have very good players but most play in Egypt. We have three players playing abroad but all of them are in a difficult situation – none of them are playing for their clubs just now,” he added, with a nod to his own problems at Anfield. 

Algeria will be looking to make ‌it a perfect Africa Cup of ‌Nations group phase ‍when they face Equatorial Guinea today, particularly if they keep another clean sheet as goalkeeper Luca Zidane shines in Morocco.The two-time African ‍champions started their campaign with a 3-0 win over Sudan followed by a 1-0 victory against Burkina Faso to secure top spot in Group E in which Zidane made crucial saves to keep Vladimir Petkovic’s side in the game.Algeria ‌kept one clean sheet in their previous six games at AFCON, where they were eliminated in the group stage ‍in 2021 and 2023 respectively after ‌being crowned African champions in the 2019 edition in Egypt.However, since Luca Zidane, son of French World Cup-winning great Zinedine, switched international allegiance in September after playing for France as a junior, Algeria have kept two clean sheets in three games with him in all competitions.The 27-year-old Granada goalkeeper has adapted quickly since becoming first choice, Petkovic remarked.“Zidane contributed significantly ​to both victories. ‌He began to integrate and gain experience in a short period of time,” the coach ‍said Tuesday.Despite only being with the team since October, Zidane has not been shy about instructing his new teammates, defender Rayan Ait-Nouri said.“Luca is a fantastic person. He integrated quickly into the group, ​he’s very talkative on the pitch, and he gives us great support. He’s a player and a person who fits the team perfectly,” Ait-Nouri added.Another clean sheet should not be too difficult against an Equatorial Guinea side who have been eliminated from the tournament having scored once in two games. 

Algeria will begin their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 campaign on Wednesday against Sudan in Group E, as the tournament continues in Morocco.The match in Rabat will be the first official AFCON meeting between the two sides. Algeria, under pressure after group-stage exits in the last two editions, are seeking a strong start against a Sudan team returning to the tournament after missing the previous finals.Sudan face a tough group that also includes Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea, who meet in Casablanca later on Wednesday in another key Group E fixture.In Group F, Cameroon open their campaign against Gabon in Agadir, aiming for victory ahead of a tougher test against defending champions Ivory Coast. Cameroon will rely on forward Bryan Mbeumo, while Gabon look to experienced striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to lead their challenge.Ivory Coast begin the defense of their title against Mozambique, also on Wednesday. 

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani sent a cable of condolences to the King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco over the victims of the collapse of two residential buildings in the city of Fez, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

Morocco trounced 10-man Niger 5-0 in Rabat on Friday to win Group E and become the first African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Ismael Saibari scored twice in the first half after Abdul-Latif Goumey was sent off and second-half goals from Ayoub el Kaabi, Hamza Igamane and Azzedine Ounahi completed the rout.A sixth straight victory lifted Morocco to an unassailable lead with 18 points – eight more than Tanzania and sealed a seventh appearance at the global showpiece with two matches to spare. Morocco were shock semi-finalists at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, topping a group including Croatia and Belgium and eliminating Spain and Portugal in the knockout phase. The stunning run came to an end in the semi-finals as they lost 2-0 to France.Only Ounahi of the scorers against Niger was in the 2022 World Cup squad with coach Walid Regragui introducing new faces since, including Saibari from Dutch club PSV Eindhoven.In Group A, Egypt beat Ethiopia 2-0 in Cairo with Premier League stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush converting late first-half penalties. Egypt can join Morocco at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico if they win away to second-placed Burkina Faso on Tuesday.Newcastle United signing Yoane Wissa was among the goals as the Democratic Republic of Congo hammered South Sudan 4-1 in Juba to stay top of Group B. Wissa moved from Brentford in a £50mn ($67mn) deal after Sweden striker Alexander Isak left Newcastle for Liverpool in a British record move. The Congolese are hoping to return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when the central African country was called Zaire.Cedric Bakambu scored twice to help the visitors build a three-goal half-time advantage and Wissa added a fourth before Keer Majak claimed a consolation goal. Senegal trail DR Congo by one point ahead of a top-of-the-table showdown in Kinshasa on Tuesday after beating Sudan 2-0 in Diamniadio through goals from Kalidou Koulibaly and Pape Matar Sarr.South Africa maintained a five-point lead in Group C thanks to a comfortable 3-0 'away' victory over neighbours Lesotho in Bloemfontein. The home fixture for Lesotho was moved to the central South African city, 145 kilometres by road from the border, because the mountain kingdom does not have a FIFA-approved stadium.Mohau Nkota, who quit famed Soweto club Orlando Pirates last month to join Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ettifaq, scored his first international goal for Bafana Bafana (the Boys) on 15 minutes. Lyle Foster from Premier League returnees Burnley and Oswin Appollis netted within four minutes midway through the second half.Victory did come at a cost for South Africa, though, with defenders Nyiko Mobbie and Thabo Moloisane retiring injured ahead of a key clash with Nigeria at the same venue on Tuesday. South Africa have 16 points, five more than Benin, who edged Zimbabwe 1-0 in Abidjan through a Steve Mounie goal. Nigeria, nine points behind the leaders, host Rwanda.Clinical first-half finishing earned Gambia a surprise 3-1 win over Kenya in Nairobi with Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh scoring the second. However, the result had no impact on the top of Group F, with reigning African champions the Ivory Coast away to Gabon on Tuesday in a match likely to decide who finishes first.Serhou Guirassy, a prolific scorer for Borussia Dortmund with 38 goals in all competitions last season, bagged his first for Guinea in World Cup qualifying to set up a 3-0 win over Somalia. But a disappointing campaign by Guinea they lie fourth eight points behind Group G leaders Algeria means Guirassy will almost certainly miss the World Cup.

Qatari swimmer Adam Morsi, won the gold medal in the 50-meter breaststroke event for the 13-14 age group, at the 4th edition of the Arab Aquatics Age Group Championships, currently being held in Morocco and running until September 1.Morsi completed the race in 31.23 seconds, setting a new Arab record.Swimmer Mohamed Mahmoud also won the gold medal in the men's 50-meter breaststroke with a time of 28.53 seconds, raising Qatar's tally to three gold medals at the championship.Meanwhile, swimmer Hamza Shaalan claimed the silver medal in the 50-meter breaststroke for the 17-18 age group, finishing in 29.13 seconds.The Qatari relay team also secured a silver medal in the 4x200-meter freestyle relay, clocking a time of 7:55.80 minutes.The championship brings together athletes from 19 Arab countries. It includes competitions in swimming, water polo, and open-water swimming.