AFCON Fixtures Today: 2025 Final Schedule and Match Times

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) fixture today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, is the grand final between Senegal and Morocco, which kicks off at 7:00 PM GMT (8:00 PM local time) at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. This headline clash serves as the conclusion to the 2025 edition of the tournament, featuring the continent’s two highest-ranked nations in a battle for continental supremacy. Following yesterday’s third-place playoff where Nigeria defeated Egypt on penalties, today’s single fixture is the only remaining game of the competition.

In this comprehensive guide, you will find everything you need to know about the AFCON schedule, including kick-off times, venue details, and a look back at the results that led to this historic final. Whether you are following the Atlas Lions’ quest for their first title since 1976 or Senegal’s attempt to secure a second trophy in four years, this article provides the authoritative details for today’s matchday.

AFCON Final: Senegal vs. Morocco

The 2025 AFCON final is scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026, with a kick-off time of 7:00 PM GMT at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. This matchup represents the pinnacle of African football, pitting the defensive resilience of Morocco against the attacking flair of the defending champion-caliber Senegal side.

As the host nation, Morocco enters the final with the support of a passionate home crowd, having reached the showpiece event after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Nigeria in the semi-finals. Senegal, on the other hand, secured their place by edging out Egypt 1-0 in a tense encounter in Tangier, demonstrating the tactical discipline that has made them a dominant force in recent years.

Today’s Match Venue and Location

Today’s fixture takes place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, which has served as the primary hub for the tournament’s most high-profile matches. The stadium has a capacity of approximately 52,000 spectators and is expected to be at full capacity for this historic north-versus-west Africa showdown.

Rabat has been the heart of the 2025 tournament, offering world-class facilities and a vibrant atmosphere for visiting fans. Access to the stadium is managed through dedicated shuttle services and local transport links, ensuring that the final remains the focal point of the city’s sporting celebrations today.

Senegal’s Path to the Final

Senegal reached today’s final by maintaining an unbeaten record throughout the knockout stages, starting with a 3-1 victory over Sudan in the Round of 16. They followed this with a narrow 1-0 win against Mali in the quarter-finals before defeating Egypt by the same scoreline in the semi-finals.

Led by veteran superstar Sadio Mané, the Teranga Lions have shown an ability to grind out results under pressure. Their defensive unit, anchored by Kalidou Koulibaly, has conceded only two goals throughout the entire tournament, making them a formidable opponent for any attacking side.

Morocco’s Journey as Tournament Hosts

Morocco’s path to the final has been characterized by high-stakes drama and the heroics of goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, particularly in their penalty shootout win against Nigeria. The Atlas Lions defeated Tanzania 1-0 in the opening knockout round and delivered a dominant 2-0 performance against Cameroon in the quarter-finals.

The host nation is seeking its first Africa Cup of Nations title in exactly 50 years, with their only previous win coming in 1976. Under the leadership of Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Díaz, the team has successfully managed the immense pressure of playing on home soil, revitalizing the Moroccan diaspora’s hopes for continental glory.

Yesterday’s Result: Third-Place Playoff

Before today’s final, the third-place playoff took place on Saturday, January 17, 2026, where Nigeria defeated Egypt on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time. The match, held at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, saw Nigeria secure the bronze medal, leaving the record-holding Egyptians with a fourth-place finish.

This result means that Nigeria’s Super Eagles finish the tournament on a high note despite their semi-final heartbreak. For Egypt, the loss marked the end of a grueling campaign where they played multiple matches involving extra time and penalties, ultimately falling just short of the podium.

Tournament Statistics and Top Scorers

Heading into today’s final, the tournament has seen a high level of competition among the continent’s elite forwards. While the group stages were prolific, the knockout rounds have been more conservative, with Senegal and Morocco prioritizing defensive stability over reckless attacking.

Top scorers such as Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah finished their campaigns with significant contributions, but today’s match offers a final chance for players like Sadio Mané or Youssef En-Nesyri to claim the individual headlines. Historically, AFCON finals are low-scoring affairs, with six of the last thirteen showpieces decided by penalty shootouts.

Practical Information and Planning

For those attending the match in Rabat or watching from abroad, understanding the logistical details is essential for a seamless experience.

Match Timing and Access

The stadium gates at Prince Moulay Abdellah are expected to open four hours before the 7:00 PM GMT kick-off. Security is heightened for the final, so fans are encouraged to arrive early to clear checkpoints and avoid congestion at the turnstiles.

Tickets and Entry

Tickets for the AFCON final were sold out weeks in advance through the official CAF ticketing portal. Fans are reminded that digital tickets must be presented along with valid identification, and secondary market tickets should be verified to avoid fraudulent entries.

Transport to the Stadium

The city of Rabat has organized special shuttle buses from the city center and major hotels directly to the stadium complex. Additionally, the local tramway and train services will run on extended schedules tonight to accommodate the thousands of fans departing after the trophy ceremony.

What to Expect

The atmosphere will be electric, with a mix of traditional Moroccan music and Senegalese drumming filling the stands. Given the coastal location of Rabat, evening temperatures in January can drop significantly, so spectators are advised to dress warmly for the duration of the match and potential extra time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time is the AFCON final today? 

The final between Senegal and Morocco kicks off today at 7:00 PM GMT. Local time in Rabat is 8:00 PM.

Where is the AFCON final being played? 

The match is being held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. It is the largest venue used for the 2025 tournament.

Which teams are playing in the AFCON final today? 

The two teams competing for the trophy today are Senegal and Morocco. These are currently the two highest-ranked teams in African football.

Who won the third-place playoff yesterday? 

Nigeria won the third-place playoff, defeating Egypt 4-2 on penalties after the match ended 0-0.

Is the away goals rule in effect for the final? 

No, the away goals rule does not apply. If the score is level after 90 minutes, the match will proceed to 30 minutes of extra time and then a penalty shootout if necessary.

How many times has Morocco won AFCON?

Morocco has won the Africa Cup of Nations only once, back in 1976. They reached the final once more in 2004 but lost to Tunisia.

How many times has Senegal won AFCON? 

Senegal has won one AFCON title, which they secured in the 2021 edition (played in 2022) by defeating Egypt in the final.

Who is the referee for today’s match? 

Official referee assignments are typically confirmed by CAF shortly before the match, but prominent continental officials like Pierre Ghislain Atcho have been active in the latter stages.

Can I still buy tickets for the final? 

Official tickets are currently sold out. Fans are advised to check the official CAF resale platform for any last-minute availability.

What are the weather conditions in Rabat today? 

Rabat is expecting clear skies today with temperatures ranging from 15°C during the day to around 10°C during the evening kick-off.

Who are the key players to watch in today’s final? 

Keep an eye on Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson for Senegal, and Achraf Hakimi and Brahim Díaz for Morocco. These stars are expected to dictate the tempo of the game.

Where can I watch the AFCON final on TV? 

The match will be broadcast globally on networks such as beIN Sports, Canal+, and various national broadcasters across Africa and Europe.

Final Thoughts

The AFCON final today represents more than just a match; it is the culmination of a month-long celebration of African football in one of the world’s most passionate sporting nations. Senegal represents the established order, a team built on veteran experience and defensive steel, while Morocco represents the rising tide of African football, blending a diaspora-driven squad with world-class infrastructure.

As the final whistle blows tonight in Rabat, one of these giants will lift the trophy and claim a $7 million prize. Regardless of the outcome, the 2025-2026 tournament has set new benchmarks for organization, viewership, and competitive quality, solidifying the Africa Cup of Nations as a premier event on the global sporting calendar.

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