Sunday’s AFCON Final brings together two sides who have shown the clearest identity and strongest mentality throughout the tournament, and Salomon Kalou believes that is exactly why Morocco and Senegal have reached the showpiece. Speaking in his weekly Duelbits column, the former Ivory Coast forward said both teams “showed they could manage the big moments, stay organised, and stay patient,” qualities he considers essential at this stage of the competition.
Kalou was particularly struck by Morocco’s semi-final performance, describing a display built on control. He felt they dictated the rhythm of the match and imposed themselves in the areas that matter most. “Morocco were dominant in the key areas,” he said. “They controlled the midfield, they won the duels and they looked more confident on the ball.” Even though the tie went to penalties, Kalou argued that the outcome reflected the balance of play, adding that “it would’ve been harsh on Morocco if Nigeria had gone through.”
While Morocco’s collective structure has been one of the defining features of their run, Kalou also highlighted the influence of players capable of breaking open tight games — a theme that could prove decisive in the final. He pointed to the impact of Brahim Díaz, describing him as one of the tournament’s standout attackers. “Díaz has been technically sharp, always positive, always looking to make something happen,” Kalou said, praising his ability to shift the rhythm of matches in moments where space is tight and pressure is high. In a final likely to be defined by fine margins, that kind of individual spark could be crucial.
Senegal arrive in the final with a different kind of authority, shaped by experience and the composure of players who have been here before. Sadio Mané’s influence remains central, and Kalou highlighted the calmness the forward brings to tense moments. “Mané has that rare ability to stay calm when everyone else is tense,” he said. “His movement was sharp, his decision‑making was clean… he always looked like the player most likely to change the game.” For Kalou, Senegal’s strength lies not just in individual talent but in their emotional stability, something he believes has carried them through the knockout rounds.
As for the final itself, Kalou expects a tight, tactical contest rather than an open spectacle. “I’m expecting another tight, low‑scoring game,” he said. “Finals are rarely open because nobody wants to be the one who makes the mistake.” He hopes the match is decided by a moment of brilliance rather than a shootout, a fate he knows can linger painfully. “Losing a final on penalties stays with you for a long time,” he said. “It’s a horrible way to lose.” With Morocco’s control and Senegal’s big‑game experience, Kalou believes Sunday’s AFCON final has all the ingredients of a compelling, finely balanced showdown.
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