AFCON: Senegal’s focus is to win second title – Pape Thiaw

Senegal national team coach Pape Thiaw maintained the focus is to win a second Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in their history.

The Atlas Lions will face the Lions of Teranga at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat after both nations successfully won their semi-final tests. Morocco got the better of Nigeria on penalties to reach the final, while Senegal defeated Egypt.

Senegal’s first AFCON trophy came in 2021, after they defeated Egypt 2-1 in the final on penalties following a 0-0 draw after extra time.

‘It’s a dream final for everyone’

“It will be a celebration for Africa and a great final. Morocco is here because of their hard work, and they deserve recognition. It’s not easy to reach the final in front of your home crowd. But tomorrow (Sunday), they will be facing Lions who are hungry to add a second title to their history,” said Thiaw.

He added: “Morocco are the favourites. They are first in the FIFA rankings. We have to congratulate them. But the best team remains Egypt with its seven titles, as their coach reminds us. It’s a dream final for everyone.”

He concluded: “To manage a final, you have to be ready on all fronts. It will be a difficult contest against a great Moroccan team. I congratulate them on their recent performances, including the victory at the U20 World Cup. We will stick to our principles, and we are ready and determined.”

Morocco will contest their second AFCON final and first since 2004, while Senegal will play in their fourth AFCON final and first since 2021, when they won their maiden title.

This will be the first meeting between the two nations at an AFCON, but their 32nd overall. Senegal have six wins to Morocco’s 18, with seven draws.