Senegal face Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The match kicks off at 19:00 GMT+0. No referee has been officially confirmed yet for this high-stakes decider.
The Lions of Teranga reach their fourth AFCON final chasing a second title, powered by Sadio Mane’s decisive contributions in the knockout stages. Morocco, hosting the tournament, aim to lift the trophy on home soil for the first time since 1976, relying on an outstanding defensive record and home crowd energy. Senegal vs Morocco prediction today weighs the Atlas Lions’ historical edge in the fixture against Senegal’s current momentum and resilience.
Betting Tips and Match Insights
This final promises intensity and tactical discipline from two of Africa’s strongest sides. Senegal vs Morocco prediction today centres on defensive strength, key individual battles and the impact of the Rabat atmosphere. Both teams have shown clinical finishing in knockouts while keeping clean sheets regularly. Recent form and head-to-head data suggest a tight, potentially low-scoring affair with moments of quality deciding it. The sections below provide the detailed numbers to inform smarter betting decisions.
Senegal Results
Senegal arrive in the final with impressive consistency throughout the tournament. The Lions of Teranga have been clinical in front of goal and solid at the back. Mane and the supporting cast have delivered when it mattered most.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 14.01.26 | ACN | Senegal vs Egypt | 1-0 | W |
| 09.01.26 | ACN | Mali vs Senegal | 0-1 | W |
| 03.01.26 | ACN | Senegal vs Sudan | 3-1 | W |
| 30.12.25 | ACN | Benin vs Senegal | 0-3 | W |
| 27.12.25 | ACN | Senegal vs D.R. Congo | 1-1 | D |
Senegal secured four wins and one draw in their last five matches. They kept three clean sheets and scored in every game. Knockout performances showed composure under pressure. The attack clicked efficiently with Mane leading the line. Defensive organisation has been a major strength throughout the run.
Morocco Results
Morocco reach their first AFCON final since 2004 after a disciplined campaign. The Atlas Lions have leaned on a rock-solid defence to progress. Home advantage adds extra belief for Walid Regragui’s side.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 14.01.26 | ACN | Nigeria vs Morocco | 0-0 (4-2 pens) | W |
| 09.01.26 | ACN | Cameroon vs Morocco | 0-2 | W |
| 04.01.26 | ACN | Morocco vs Tanzania | 1-0 | W |
| 29.12.25 | ACN | Zambia vs Morocco | 0-3 | W |
| 26.12.25 | ACN | Morocco vs Mali | 1-1 | D |
Morocco recorded four wins and one draw across those five fixtures. They conceded just two goals total and kept four clean sheets. Penalty success in the semi-final highlighted mental strength. Attacking output has been controlled rather than explosive. The defensive unit remains the foundation of their success.
Senegal vs Morocco Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)
These two nations have produced competitive encounters over the years. Morocco hold a commanding record in recent meetings. The history favours the Atlas Lions but finals bring different dynamics.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 26.08.25 | ANC | Morocco vs Senegal | 2-1 |
| 09.10.20 | FI | Morocco vs Senegal | 3-1 |
| 25.05.12 | FI | Morocco vs Senegal | 0-1 |
| 10.08.11 | FI | Senegal vs Morocco | 0-2 |
| 21.11.07 | FI | Morocco vs Senegal | 3-0 |
Morocco won four of the last five clashes with Senegal taking one. Three matches featured three or more goals. Morocco have dominated especially on home soil or neutral venues. Clean sheets have been rare in these games. The trend shows Morocco’s edge in direct matchups.
Predicted Starting Lineups
These are the predicted starting lineups for the Senegal vs Morocco Africa Cup of Nations final on January 18, 2026. The selections are based on the formations most commonly used by each team during the tournament and the current availability of key players. Official lineups will be confirmed closer to kick-off, so these remain informed estimates.
Senegal predicted lineup
Mendy (GK), Diatta (DF), Sarr (DF), Niakhate (DF), Diouf (DF), Camara (MF), Gueye A. (MF), Gueye R. (MF), Ndiaye (FW), Jackson (FW), Mane (FW).

Morocco predicted lineup
Bono (GK), Hakimi (DF), Aguerd (DF), Masina (DF), Mazraoui (DF), El Aynaoui (MF), Diaz (MF), El Khannouss (MF), Saibari (MF), Ezzalzouli (MF), El Kaabi (FW).

Injured and Questionable Players
Several important players are unavailable or doubtful for this Africa Cup of Nations final due to injuries or suspensions. Senegal have some concerns in midfield and defence, while Morocco face absences in key defensive and midfield positions.
| Team | Player | Reason |
| Senegal | Camara I. | Muscle Injury |
| Senegal | Diao | Thigh Injury |
| Senegal | Diarra | Yellow Cards |
| Senegal | Koulibaly | Yellow Cards |
| Morocco | Ounahi | Calf Injury |
| Morocco | Saiss | Muscle Injury |
Key Match Factors and Team News
Both teams enter the final in excellent condition with no major reported injuries. The Rabat crowd will create an intense atmosphere for the hosts. Tactical discipline and individual brilliance will likely decide the outcome.
- Sadio Mane remains the decisive figure for Senegal with his semifinal winner;
- Morocco boast the best defensive record in the tournament with multiple clean sheets;
- Home advantage could prove significant for the Atlas Lions in a packed stadium;
- Senegal have reached four finals in recent editions showing big-game experience;
- Morocco ended Nigeria’s run via penalties demonstrating composure under pressure;
- Both sides kept clean sheets in their semi-final and quarter-final wins;
- Recent head-to-head heavily favours Morocco in the last six meetings;
- No suspensions or serious injury doubts affect either starting eleven.
Free Tips on Senegal vs Morocco
This section shares focused, numbers-based free betting tips drawn straight from the teams’ tournament statistics, scoring patterns and their long head-to-head record. The pointers highlight clear trends visible in the data for this Africa Cup of Nations final on January 18, 2026, in Rabat. They aim to give you specific edges on markets like goals, clean sheets or result without repeating the core factors already covered.
- Morocco have won five of the last six meetings against Senegal and kept a clean sheet in two of those victories, underlining a consistent historical superiority in direct clashes;
- Senegal have scored in every knockout match this tournament while Morocco have kept four clean sheets in their last five games overall, pointing toward a possible one-sided scoring pattern;
- Four of the previous five head-to-head fixtures produced three or more total goals, yet Morocco’s current defensive run suggests the final could stay lower-scoring than the historical average;
- Sadio Mane has been directly involved in Senegal’s last two decisive knockout goals, while Morocco’s attack has relied on set-pieces and narrow margins rather than open play;
- Morocco have conceded just two goals across their entire campaign so far and face a Senegal side that has not scored more than three in any single match, favouring the under on total goals despite the final stakes.
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Senegal vs Morocco Match Prediction 2026
Morocco hold the advantage as hosts with an exceptional defensive record and a strong historical edge over Senegal. The Atlas Lions have conceded very few goals throughout the tournament while showing efficiency in attack. Senegal remain dangerous with Mane’s quality and knockout resilience, yet Morocco’s organisation and home support should tip the balance. Senegal vs Morocco odds reflect Morocco as slight favourites in a tense final. Expect a controlled game with limited clear chances, where one moment of quality or a set-piece decides it. Morocco should lift the trophy narrowly, ending a long wait on home soil.
Our Prediction: Senegal 1-2 Morocco
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Result | Morocco Win | 2.24 |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | 2.26 |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5 | 2.72 |
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