As the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations drew closer to its climax, anticipation reached a fever pitch among football fans across the continent. The stage was set for a highly anticipated showdown between two of Africa’s most formidable teams: Senegal and Morocco. The coaches unveiled their final lineups, confirming their tactical choices and injury updates ahead of the decisive match scheduled for Sunday at the Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat. With both squads aiming for continental glory, these lineups offered insights into each team’s strategic approach and highlighted key changes and absences that could shape the outcome of one of Africa’s most prestigious football tournaments.
Morocco’s Lineup: A Consistent Starting Eleven
Morocco, under the leadership of head coach Walid Regragui, entered the final with little surprise in their team selection. The squad retained much of the structure that has brought them this far, with the notable exception of Azzedine Ounahi, the only player absent due to injury or suspension. Regragui stuck with his trusted 4-3-3 formation that has become a hallmark throughout the tournament, demonstrating confidence in his regular starters.
Key players such as the Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi, who has been instrumental both offensively and defensively, and Brahim Diaz, one of the standout performers of the competition, are set to feature once again. Diaz’s influence in midfield and attack has been particularly noteworthy, and his presence will be crucial as Morocco seeks to clinch their first AFCON title in recent history.
Here is the official starting eleven for Morocco:
- Bounou (Goalkeeper)
- Hakimi (Right-back)
- Aguerd (Centre-back)
- Masina (Centre-back)
- Mazraoui (Left-back)
- Saibari (Midfielder)
- El Aynaoui (Midfielder)
- Saibari (Midfielder) — note: possible alternative or typo in the lineup
- Brahim Diaz (Attacking midfielder)
- El Kaabi (Forward)
- Abde Ez (Forward)
The consistency in Morocco’s lineup will likely serve them well, allowing the team to establish rhythm and maintain tactical discipline in what promises to be a fiercely contested final.
Senegal’s Adjustments: Changes Driven by Suspensions and Unforeseen Illness
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Unlike Morocco, Senegal encountered some hurdles in finalizing their lineup, primarily due to disciplinary and health issues. Two key players, Kalidou Koulibaly and Habib Diarra, were unavailable for the match because of suspensions, prompting head coach Pape Thiaw to rethink his defensive setup and midfield options.
As replacements, Thiaw chose Mamadou Sarr and Lamine Camara—both of whom are currently plying their trade in Ligue 1. This indicates a focus on maintaining defensive solidity while also injecting fresh legs into the team. The decision to pivot from more experienced options to Ligue 1 talents underscores the importance of adaptability in high-stakes tournaments.
A significant development emerged during the warm-up: Krépin Diatta, the Monaco right-back and a key attacking outlet for Senegal, reported feeling ill. In response, Diatta was replaced in the starting XI by Antoine Mendy, a player yet to feature in any match during this tournament. This change could be pivotal, as Mendy’s inexperience might influence Senegal’s offensive dynamics and defensive stability.
The starting lineup for Senegal is as follows:
- E. Mendy (Goalkeeper)
- A. Mendy (Right-back)
- Mam. Sarr (Centre-back)
- Niakhaté (Centre-back)
- Diouf (Left-back)
- L. Camara (Midfielder)
- I. Gueye (Midfielder)
- P. Gueye (Midfielder)
- Ndiaye (Forward)
- Jackson (Forward)
- Mané (Captain, Forward)
This lineup reflects Senegal’s effort to adapt tactically in the face of adversity, emphasizing a balance between defensive resilience and attacking potency. The inclusion of Mané, who remains a central figure and key goal scorer, will be vital for Senegal’s hopes of winning their first AFCON title since 2021.
Key Factors in the Final’s Outcome
As fans analyze these lineups, several critical elements could influence the final result:
- Injury and suspension management: Morocco’s ability to field its best XI with minimal disruption contrasts with Senegal’s necessary adjustments, which could affect cohesion and clarity in their gameplay.
- Player form and match fitness: Players like Brahim Diaz and Mané bring match-winning qualities, and their performances could tip the scales.
- Tactical discipline: Morocco’s consistency might provide a strategic advantage, especially if they capitalize on their familiarity and well-oiled setup.
- Psychological resilience: The mental strength of players, particularly under pressure in a final, could greatly impact the flow and outcome of the match.
Both teams have displayed exceptional skill and resilience throughout the tournament, lifting hopes for an exciting final that promises high-quality football. Fans on both sides are eager to see how these lineups translate into on-field performance, with the trophy at stake and history waiting to be made. As the countdown to kick-off continues, the final will undoubtedly be a showcase of African football’s talent, passion, and competitive spirit.
