Senegal have come up with a strategic training regime ahead of Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) final against Morocco.
Ahead of the crunch final, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has come up with a creative and innovative way of training his squad, focusing on recovery and endurance.
According to an update from the Senegal Football Federation website, upon regrouping on Thursday, the youthful tactician split his squad into two, each with their own training regime.
“The session took place on the training pitch adjacent to the Grand Stade de Tanger and involved only the reserve players,” reads the update.
“For 90 minutes, they went through a series of physical exercises, ball work, and moderate-intensity scrimmages. This session was essential to keep the entire group ready for the grand finale.”
It adds: “The players who started in the semi-final, meanwhile, remained at the hotel. They followed a specific recovery programme, combining treatments, stretching and gym work, in order to regenerate their bodies after the intense effort against the Pharaohs.”
How Senegal made their way to the AFCON 2025 final
The Teranga Lions earned their place in the final against the hosts and the favourites, after seeing off Egypt in the semifinal on Wednesday.
Saudi Arabia-based superstar Sadio Mane scored the only goal of the AFCON semifinal, drilling a first-time shot off a deflection, hard and low into the Pharaohs’ net. The second-half strike ended the title-dream for the record champions and also sent a strong message to Morocco.
The Atlas Lions laboured to a post-match 4-2 victory over Nigeria on Wednesday. The second semifinal of the day produced no winner after 120 minutes of sweat and blood. Only for the penalties to send the Super Eagles out of the title race while Morocco proceeded to the final.
The final will take place on Sunday at 10:00pm (EAT) at the Prince Moulaye Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
