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.
For Morocco, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged as the hero after he produced decisive saves to deny Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi and propel the Atlas Lions to a 4-2 penalty win, and one step closer to AFCON success.
Morocco are 'team of winners'
"I am very happy to play this final at home, it is every coach’s dream. Now, there is still the most difficult step," Regragui told reporters at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium during a press conference.
"Senegal has such a great coach, a superb team, three AFCON finals in four editions… We have an objective to go down in history and make our supporters happy."
He added: "We are a team of winners. We will play the final for 90 minutes, no earlier, no later. I want Senegal to feel that this isn't the Stade des Martyrs (in Kinshasa, where they faced DR Congo in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and won).
"Beating us in Morocco is very complicated and very difficult.
"It will take a very strong Senegalese team to beat us at home, but what I know is that it will be a good match for Africa, for CAF, and everyone who will be watching."
On whether Morocco will be under pressure, he said: "Managing emotions has been important from the start. Morocco is the team under pressure, playing at home. In the first 25 minutes against Tanzania, we could have paid the price, but afterwards we relaxed. We have to play this final, enjoy ourselves, and win the Cup.
"Senegal will be strong. I just hope they don’t get overconfident, and neither do we. It won’t be easy for anyone. We will be confident, and so will they. The Senegalese are not lacking in effort. We must counter their runs."
Senegal ready and determined
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw maintained the focus is to win a second AFCON title in their history. 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 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.
