Morocco vs Senegal – A High-Stakes Battle in the 2025 African Nations Championship Semi-Finals

 


Match Overview

Date, Time, and Venue

The African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025 semi-final between Morocco and Senegal took place on August 26, 2025, at 4:00 PM. This was no ordinary match — it was a clash of titans, where two of Africa’s strongest footballing nations faced off for a place in the grand final.

Global Broadcast Channels

Fans across the globe followed the action live through:

  • beIN Sports HD 1

  • Sport TV1 Portugal

  • Diema Sport 2 HD

  • SuperSport Maximo 1

  • Digi Sport 2 HD Romania

With such wide coverage, the semi-final wasn’t just a continental battle — it was a global event.

Road to the Semi-Finals

Morocco’s Journey

Morocco came into the tournament as a two-time CHAN champion and the team to beat. They topped their group with dominant performances, defeating Uganda and Cameroon, before edging past Mali in the quarter-finals. Their blend of tactical discipline and attacking flair made them favorites.

Senegal’s Journey

Senegal, meanwhile, showcased resilience and determination. After a strong group stage, they eliminated Côte d’Ivoire in a thrilling quarter-final. The Lions of Teranga have steadily built a reputation for producing disciplined, athletic squads at all levels of African football.

Teams in Focus

Morocco – The Defending Giants

Morocco has been a powerhouse in CHAN history, often fielding technically gifted players from their domestic Botola Pro league. Their squad is known for its possession-oriented style and an ability to control the tempo of games.

Senegal – The Lions of Teranga

Senegal brings raw power, speed, and determination. Their players thrive in physical battles while also possessing flair in attack. With youthful energy and tactical adaptability, they’re a team no one can take lightly.

Tactical Breakdown

Morocco’s Strengths and Strategy

  • Possession-based play with quick passing triangles.

  • Heavy reliance on wing-backs to stretch defenses.

  • Midfield dominance through technically gifted players.

Senegal’s Approach and Game Plan

  • Compact defensive structure, soaking up pressure.

  • Swift counter-attacks led by quick wingers.

  • Aggressive pressing in midfield to disrupt Morocco’s rhythm.

Market Value Comparison

Morocco’s Squad Valuation

According to Transfermarkt, Morocco’s CHAN squad is valued at around €22 million. Many of their players come from top domestic clubs such as Wydad Casablanca and Raja Casablanca, which are known for developing elite talent.

Senegal’s Squad Valuation

Senegal’s squad is estimated at €17 million, with key contributions from clubs like ASC Jaraaf and Generation Foot — the same academy that produced stars like Sadio Mané.

Key Players to Watch

Morocco’s Potential Match-Winners

  • Ayoub El Kaabi – A proven goal scorer with sharp finishing.

  • Soufiane Rahimi – A tricky winger with pace and creativity.

Senegal’s Key Performers

  • Pape Ndiaye – A midfield enforcer with energy and vision.

  • Lamine Camara – A young attacking midfielder capable of unlocking defenses.

Match Highlights

First Half – Tense and Tactical

The first half was a chess match. Morocco dominated possession, but Senegal’s defensive discipline denied them clear chances. The half ended goalless, with both sides cautious not to concede first.

Second Half – Goals and Drama

The second half sparked into life:

  • 53rd Minute: Morocco broke the deadlock through Rahimi, who scored after a brilliant solo run.

  • 70th Minute: Senegal equalized with a header from Camara following a well-delivered corner.

  • 85th Minute: Morocco sealed the victory with a late goal from El Kaabi, sending their fans into raptures.

Final Score: Morocco 2 – 1 Senegal

Stadium Atmosphere and Fan Support

Moroccan Passion in the Stands

The Moroccan supporters, draped in red and green, filled the stadium with chants of “Maghreb, Maghreb!” Their energy seemed to push the team forward.

Senegalese Energy and Songs

Senegalese fans brought drums, dancing, and their famous Teranga spirit, showing why African football atmospheres are unmatched.

Impact on African Football

What It Means for Morocco

For Morocco, this victory meant another shot at CHAN glory. It also reaffirmed their dominance in African football, especially at the domestic-based level.

What It Means for Senegal

Although defeated, Senegal’s performance proved their youth development programs are paying off. They remain one of the most promising football nations in Africa.

Post-Match Reactions

Coaches’ Insights

  • Morocco’s coach praised his team’s patience and determination.

  • Senegal’s coach admitted disappointment but highlighted his team’s growth and fighting spirit.

Players’ Voices

El Kaabi dedicated his winning goal to the Moroccan fans, while Camara promised Senegal would come back stronger.

Social Media and Global Buzz

Trending Hashtags

  • #CHAN2025

  • #MoroccoVsSenegal

  • #RoadToFinal

Memorable Viral Moments

Rahimi’s dazzling dribble before his goal went viral, while Camara’s equalizer had Senegalese fans flooding social media with pride.

What’s Next?

The Road to the Final

Morocco advances to the 2025 CHAN Final, where they will face either Madagascar or Sudan. A chance to add another trophy to their cabinet awaits.

Lessons for the Losing Side

For Senegal, the focus shifts to the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where their young talents will look to translate CHAN experience into continental success.

Conclusion

The Morocco vs Senegal semi-final was everything African football fans could have hoped for — tension, skill, goals, and drama. Morocco’s resilience and experience proved decisive, but Senegal showed they are a force to be reckoned with.

This match not only decided who went to the final, but it also highlighted the growing quality and competitiveness of the African Nations Championship, proving once again that African domestic football is on the rise.


FAQs

1. When was the Morocco vs Senegal CHAN 2025 semi-final played?
It was played on August 26, 2025, at 4:00 PM.

2. What was the final score?
Morocco defeated Senegal 2-1.

3. Who were the goal scorers?
Soufiane Rahimi and Ayoub El Kaabi for Morocco, and Lamine Camara for Senegal.

4. Where could fans watch the match?
On beIN Sports HD 1, Sport TV1 Portugal, Diema Sport 2 HD, SuperSport Maximo 1, and Digi Sport 2 HD Romania.

5. What are the squad market values?
Morocco’s CHAN squad is valued at €22 million, while Senegal’s is around €17 million, per Transfermarkt

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