Inside Senegal’s camp: El Hadji Diouf on the calmness ahead of AFCON final

Diouf, now a CAF ambassador, has remained closely connected to the squad throughout the tournament and joined the Lions of Teranga at training in Rabat in the build-up to the showdown at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

The ex-Senegal superstar believes composure will be crucial, insisting that approaching the final with calmness and clarity could be the difference between victory and defeat.

"It's simple, we just have to do what we are known to do and what we have to do, and that is to enjoy playing football and make people happy. The boys are full of talent and they simply just have to enjoy."

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Diouf added that he did not believe Senegal would be intimidated by the strong – and hostile – crowd backing Morocco.

"We are not scared of the home crowd, because we have been to Kinshasa, and if we can survive there, we can survive anywhere."

Senegal won the AFCON title in 2021 and the ex-Liverpool attacker spoke of how much it would mean to their fans to add a second star.

"Every game of Senegal is important because every nation wants to beat us, friendly game or AFCON Final, and the message is clear, just play your football and bring happiness to everyone back home."

With Sadio Mane announcing that this AFCON would be his last, Diouf had a message to the next generation.

"My relationship with Sadio is not only football-based, but he is like family, and many people have said in the past that he is finished, but he has proven that he is one of the best and toughest players in the world and the next generation must try and follow him, Mendy, Gueye, Koulibaly, and all the rest."