IN PICTURES | Senegal v Morocco: A night of grandeur ahead of AFCON final
Africa Cup of Nations
Senegal's midfielder Pathe Ciss arrives prior the Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
The atmosphere at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final reached a fever pitch ahead of kick-off on Sunday night at 9pm, as two titans of African football, Senegal and Morocco, faced off in a spectacle of sport and culture.
From the pristine dressing rooms to the electric stands, the images capture a continent united by its passion for the beautiful game.
The closing ceremony of the Africa Cup of Nations. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
The Africa Cup of Nations closing ceremony. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
The Africa Cup of Nations closing ceremony. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
The Pageantry of the Final
The closing ceremony set a majestic tone. Performers clad in vibrant red and green — the colors of the host nation, Morocco — surrounded a central stage as light beams pierced the night sky. The stadium was transformed into a theater of light and sound, celebrating the successful conclusion of Africa’s premier footballing event.
Fans of hosts Morocco and Senegal congregated on the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
Fans of hosts Morocco and Senegal congregated on the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
Fans of hosts Morocco and Senegal congregated on the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
Fans of hosts Morocco and Senegal congregated on the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
Fans of hosts Morocco and Senegal congregated on the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
Fans of hosts Morocco and Senegal congregated on the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
Fans of hosts Morocco and Senegal congregated on the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
Faces of Passion
The heartbeat of the match remained with the fans. Supporters from both nations displayed incredible creativity and devotion:
Senegalese "Lions of Teranga" fans dominated sections of the crowd in their iconic yellow, green, and red. Some painted their entire bodies, including a striking rendition of the AFCON trophy on a fan's chest, while others formed a human mosaic spelling out "SENEGAL."
Moroccan supporters countered with equally vivid displays, including custom eyewear featuring the Moroccan star and the Atlas Lion, embodying the pride of the host nation.
Morocco and Egypt will contest the AFCON final later on Sunday night. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
Morocco and Egypt will contest the AFCON final later on Sunday night. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
Morocco ahead of the AFCON final v Senegal on Sunday night. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
Senegal huddle together for one last pep talk ahead of the final. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
Calm Before the Storm
Inside the belly of the stadium, the dressing rooms told a story of quiet focus. The Moroccan locker room, bathed in red, and the Senegalese room, adorned in green and gold, were meticulously prepared with jerseys, refreshments, and dates. These spaces, though empty in the photos, hum with the weight of expectation and the dreams of millions.
This final was more than just a game; it was a vibrant celebration of African identity, resilience, and world-class talent.