Senegal vs Morocco live: Afcon final latest team news and line-ups – UK Times

Sticking with Mohamed Salah ahead of his Anfield return, Arne Slot has refused to guarantee that all of Liverpool’s squad will still be at the club when the transfer window closes, saying the Premier League champions will consider the right offer.

Mohamed Salah plunged his future into doubt with an explosive interview last month, though the Egyptian has since returned to contention. He played against Brighton in December and is in discussions with Liverpool as to whether he will be available to face Marseille on Wednesday or Bournemouth next Saturday as he returns from Afcon duty with Egypt.

“I think this club has always shown, similar to bringing players in, that we never say no,” Slot explained. “This club has always shown that if another club makes the right offer, and we think it is the right offer and a good offer – and I don’t include only me, I include the sporting directors and our owners – then we can make a decision we all agree on. But at this moment in time, we are working with the players we have.

“So that is something, you know how this club works, too. Everyone is talking about our £450m spend [last summer] and everyone is forgetting we sold for £300m. And I cannot blame anyone because I think we, Liverpool, are quite an exception to selling. Usually, most Premier League clubs only buy, and that is why it is such an unbelievable accomplishment. It is so well run, this club, so it can perform at the level it has in recent years.”

Slot did insist he was happy that Salah was returning to the fold, hailing his importance to Liverpool.

“I am happy that he comes back,” he said. “Mo has been so important for this club, for me, so I am happy that he is back. Even if I had 15 attackers, I still would have been happy if he came back, but that is not our current situation.”

Nigeria ended their penalty hoodoo to defeat Egypt and claim third place at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday, with Mohamed Salah failing to deliver from the spot.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was the hero, brilliantly saving efforts from Salah and Omar Marmoush before Ademola Lookman stepped up to settle the shootout after a goalless draw.

The Super Eagles had looked the better of the sides throughout the contest and had the ball in the net twice, only for both goals to be ruled out.

Morocco coach Walid Regragui has firmly rejected suggestions that officials at the Africa Cup of Nations have shown favouritism towards the host nation.

Conspiracy theories alleging leniency from tournament referees have been circulating among some broadcast pundits and online supporters, but Regragui dismissed these claims outright.

“It’s always a shame to go down this path,” he told a press conference on ahead of Morocco’s semi-final victory over Nigeria.

“They want to make people believe that matches are always won this way. Let’s not kid ourselves, it’s always been the case on the African continent to sow doubts and controversies.

“You journalists need to do your job,” he added.

“A penalty can be given one way in one match and not in another. A handball is called in one match and not in another. I watch a lot of matches because we have many players in Europe, and the controversies are the same everywhere, in Africa or in Europe.”

Barring a hat-trick from the likes of Sadio Mane, Nicolas Jackson or teammate Ayoub El Kaabi, Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz will head back to Spain with the Afcon 2025 golden boot.

The Malaga-born midfielder, having switched allegiances in 2023, has cemented himself as a Moroccan hero this tournament, spearheading the Atlas Lions’ title charge with five goals in six games.

Could another standout performance deliver Morocco their first continental crown since 1976?

Senegal will hope to break Moroccan hearts on enemy soil as they bid for a second Africa Cup of Nations crown.

The Teranga Lions boast a potent attacking lineup, having scored in all six matches en route to the decider.

Their talisman, ex-Liverpool forward Sadio Mane, underscored his enduring importance by netting the late semi-final winner against Egypt before later revealing that Sunday’s match will be his last ever Afcon appearance.

Looking to add another winner’s medal, Mane warned: “We know how to play the final. A final is meant to be won. I will be very happy to play my last Afcon final, to enjoy it and to make my country win.”

Morocco will seek to cement their status as one of Africa’s premier footballing nations and finally overcome a half-century of disappointment when they face Senegal in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final.

For over a decade, the North African country has been a formidable presence on the continent’s football stage, consistently securing victories across various competitions and establishing significant political and financial influence.

However, despite their widespread ascendancy, the Cup of Nations has remained a notable weak point, with Morocco often entering as favourites only to falter.

The nation now hopes to see its substantial investment in players and infrastructure – including recently upgraded facilities set to be used for the 2030 World Cup, which they will co-host with Portugal and Spain – finally yield the ultimate continental prize.

Morocco didn’t encounter much trouble in the group stage, with wins over Comoros and Zambia as well as a draw with Mali enough to ensure safe passage into the knockouts as Group A winners.

Morocco 1-0 Tanzania | Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, Rabat, Morocco

Cameroon 0-2 Morocco | Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, Rabat, Morocco

Nigeria 0-0 Morocco – Morocco won 4-2 on penalties | Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, Rabat, Morocco

Senegal comfortably dispatched Botswana and Benin either side of holding DR Congo to a hard-fought draw to top Group D on goal difference, setting up for a stellar run through the knockouts.

Senegal 3-1 Sudan | Stade Ibn-Batouta, Tangier, Morocco

Mali 0-1 Senegal | Stade Ibn-Batouta, Tangier, Morocco

Senegal 1-0 Egypt | Stade Ibn-Batouta, Tangier, Morocco

Morocco XI: Bono; Hakimi, Aguerd, Masina, Mazroui; Aynaoui; Diaz, El Khannouss, Saibari, Ezzalzouli; El Kaabi.

Senegal XI: Mendy; Diatta, Sarr, Niakhete, Diouf; I. Gueye, Camara, P. Gueye; Ndiaye, Jackson, Mane.