‘This team deserves it’ — Hakimi, Morocco looking to make AFCON history after knocking out Super Eagles

Morocco are one win away from ending decades of AFCON frustration after edging Nigeria to book a place in Sunday’s final against Senegal.

Buoyed by home support and renewed belief, the Atlas Lions believe this could finally be their moment after 50 years.

For more than a decade, Morocco have been a dominant force in African football, backed by heavy investment, elite infrastructure, and growing political and financial influence on the continent.

That rise has translated into success at youth and club levels, as well as a historic run to the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar in 2022, but the Africa Cup of Nations has remained a stubborn blind spot.

Despite regularly arriving at the tournament as favourites, Morocco have won the AFCON just once, back in 1976, and appeared in only one final since, in 2004.

Those memories seemed to weigh heavily early in this campaign, as the hosts made a tentative start. However, that nervousness appears to have faded in the knockout rounds.

Impressive wins over Cameroon and Nigeria showcased a more aggressive, high-tempo Morocco, suggesting a team finally playing with freedom rather than fear. That momentum has pushed the country into full footballing fever as they chase a long-awaited second continental crown.

Captain Achraf Hakimi made no attempt to hide what reaching the final meant to the squad and the nation. “It’s a unique moment for us,” he said after the semi-final win. “We’ve made history once again, this team deserves it. All Moroccans deserve it. We are very happy, but we haven’t finished the job yet.”

Standing in their way are reigning champions Senegal, appearing in their third final in four editions and boasting vast experience, led by talisman Sadio Mané.

The Teranga Lions have cruised through much of the tournament and arrive with a squad that has lost just once in 34 internationals.

Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw is clear about the task ahead, saying: “We wanted to play in this final, now we have to go and win it.” For Morocco, though, Sunday represents a chance to finally turn dominance into destiny.