Afcon 2025: Senegal stand in way of Morocco’s 50-year wait for glory

Senegal, meanwhile, progressed past record seven-time champions Egypt in the last four thanks to a second-half strike from talisman Sadio Mane.

The 33-year-old netted the winning penalty in the 2021 final, also against the Pharaohs, and proved once again that he is the man for the big occasion.

The former Liverpool forward is keen to pick up another winner’s medal, having seemingly announced that this will be his last appearance at Afcon.

“A final is meant to be won,” Mane said.

“I will be very happy to play my last Afcon final, to enjoy it and to make my country win.”

However, Senegal have an array of attacking talent alongside Mane, with Iliman Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson, Habib Diallo, Ismaila Sarr and 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye all offering a goal threat.

The Teranga Lions will be without captain Kalidou Koulibaly and midfielder Habib Diarra through suspension, but goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye are among the survivors from their last triumph.

They will feature in the final for the fourth time, having lost the showpiece match in 2002 and 2019 before finally claiming the title four years ago.

Thiaw, like Regragui, has also tasted Afcon defeat as a player as part of the squad which was beaten on penalties by Cameroon 24 years ago.

However, he will have the chance to create his own piece of history, potentially becoming the first man to coach a side to both CHAN and Afcon glory.