Former coach of the Senegal Lions and a respected figure in African football, Claude Le Roy recently shared his thoughts on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations during an appearance on Canal+. With his experience and perspective, the French tactician provided a balanced and nuanced analysis of the journeys of the two finalists, Senegal and Morocco, steering clear of any simplistic interpretation of the final result.
According to Claude Le Roy, Morocco was the most consistent and stable team throughout the competition. The Atlas Lions showcased remarkable collective mastery, solid defensive strength, and the ability to impose their style against various opponents. For the former coach, this consistency makes Morocco the best team of the AFCON 2025 when considering the entire tournament, from the group stage to the knockout rounds.
However, Claude Le Roy emphasizes a crucial distinction between overall performance and the display in the final. In his view, Senegal was clearly the better team in the decisive match. The Teranga Lions raised their game at the critical moment, showing intensity, determination, and efficiency that surpassed their opponent. “I think overall, the best team of this AFCON was Morocco. And the best team in the final was Senegal. This victory in the final reflects a higher quality performance,” stated Claude Le Roy.
The former coach also believes that Morocco may have paid the price for their fiercely contested semifinal against Nigeria. That match, particularly demanding physically and mentally, might have left its mark before the final. The accumulated fatigue, emotional pressure, and intensity of that clash could have weighed heavily in the final act of the competition.
Ultimately, Claude Le Roy calls for a fair and calm interpretation of this final. While Morocco can boast of being the most consistent team in the tournament, Senegal fully deserves their title for stepping up on the most important day. A victory that rewards the Teranga Lions’ ability to elevate their game at the crucial moment and turn a grand final into a historic success.
