Ex-Liverpool Star Sadio Mané Faces Morocco in Epic AFCON Final Amid Retirement Talk and Tensions

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2026 final pits hosts Morocco against Sadio Mané's Senegal on Sunday at Rabat's Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, with kickoff at 1900 GMT. A sellout crowd of 69,000 is expected to roar for Morocco, captained by African Player of the Year Achraf Hakimi, as they chase their first title since 1976—their first final since 2004.[2][1]

Senegal, 2022 champions, seek a second crown in their third final in four tournaments. They've been unbeaten, with Mané equalizing early against Congo (1-1 draw), Pape Gueye scoring twice versus Sudan, and Mané netting the semi-final winner against Egypt. Core veterans like Mané (33), Idrissa Gueye (36), Edou Mendy (33), and injured/suspended captain Kalidou Koulibaly (34) anchor the side, blending experience with youth like 17-year-old prodigy Ibrahim Mbaye, hailed as a future Ballon d'Or contender.[1][3][2]

Morocco's run features top scorer Brahim Díaz (five goals) and a defense conceding just once—a penalty to Mali. Both nations qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the Americas.[1][2]

Tensions simmer: Senegal's federation accused hosts of "organizational shortcomings," citing security lapses. Coach Pape Thiaw described players being jostled by crowds upon arrival in Rabat, calling it "not normal" between "brother countries" and a risk to Africa's image. He urged focus on "11 against 11" despite missing Koulibaly and Habib Diarra (banned).[1][4][2]

Mané, twice African POTY and ex-Liverpool star, declared post-semi-final this is his last AFCON. Yet Thiaw hinted he might reverse it, praising his maturity amid a transitioning squad.[2][3]

This cross-year AFCON could see hosts triumph again, blending rivalry, history, and high stakes.(298 words)