Luc Eymael Snubs Senegal, Backs Morocco For AFCON Crown

Belgian manager Luc Eymael has backed Morocco to defeat Senegal and claim the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title this Sunday.

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The final, hosted at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, features the Atlas Lions following their narrow penalty shootout victory over Nigeria and Senegal’s win against Egypt.

Morocco’s progression was secured by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, whose critical saves against Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi led the team to a 4-2 shootout win.

Following a scoreless draw and extra time in the 2021 AFCON, Senegal secured their first title thanks to a brilliant 78th-minute goal from Sadio Mane against Egypt.

Now, Senegal enters their fourth final, while Morocco returns to the championship match for the first time since 2004. Despite Senegal’s pedigree, former Chippa United coach Luc Eymael suggests Morocco has the upper hand this time, citing the critical absence of Senegalese stars Kalidou Koulibaly and Habib Diarra.

Koulibaly and Diarra are both ruled out of the final after picking up too many yellow cards. For Koulibaly, who currently plays for Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, this is a painful case of déjà vu; it marks the second time he has been suspended for an AFCON final, following his absence from the 2019 title match.

“Senegal will miss two key players, Koulibaly, and Diarra, while for Morocco they don’t have any suspension, the crowd, the 12th man will be on Morocco’s side. It will be a huge task for Senegal, it will be a tough game, but a final win for Morocco,” Eymael told Flashscore.

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“If you don’t have your key players, and you are playing against a complete team as good as Morocco, then things will not work out for you. Morocco will maximise on the missing players, knowing that they have a chance to win the AFCON.”

Eymael believes Morocco gains a significant advantage through Senegal’s goalkeeping. The 66-year-old argues that former Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy is prone to errors that could ultimately cost his team the championship.

“I will say goalkeeper Mendy has to be 100 percent because of his games (club or national team), he is always committing mistakes,” explained Eymael.

“If Mendy doesn’t show commitment in the final, then Senegal will be in for a very long day.”

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