The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat has taken an unexpected turn, with a feline fortune-teller stealing some of the spotlight from the players. A mysterious cat named Nimbus Pronos has predicted that host nation Morocco will defeat defending champions Senegal in the highly anticipated title clash.
The Feline Oracle Makes Its Pick
In a viral Instagram video that has captivated football fans across Africa and beyond, the famous match-predicting cat was presented with two bowls of food, each labeled with the name of a finalist team. Without any hesitation, Nimbus Pronos walked directly to the bowl marked "Morocco," gave a brief glance towards the "Senegal" bowl, and confidently began to eat.
This prediction carries significant weight because of the cat's impressive track record during this tournament. Reports confirm that Nimbus correctly predicted the outcome of every single knockout-stage match in AFCON 2025, including the Round of 16, quarterfinals, and semifinals. Its previous success includes accurately forecasting Morocco's penalty shootout victory over Nigeria in the semifinals.
Historic Showdown Set for Rabat
The final itself is set for a dramatic showdown at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The stakes could not be higher, with the winner not only lifting the coveted trophy but also pocketing a massive $10 million prize.
For Morocco, the Atlas Lions are carrying the hopes of a nation and aiming to end a 50-year wait for their second Africa Cup of Nations title, their first and only triumph dating back to 1976. Captained by Achraf Hakimi, the host nation has the advantage of playing in front of their home fans but also bears the immense pressure that comes with those expectations.
Senegal, the Teranga Lions, enter as the 2021 champions and are seeking their second AFCON crown to cement their status as a continental powerhouse. Their journey to the final, however, has been marked by some controversy, with the team raising concerns about conditions ahead of the title clash.
Head-to-Head History Favours Morocco
While this marks the first time Morocco and Senegal will meet in an AFCON final, the two nations are familiar foes. According to CAF Online, the sides have faced each other 19 times in various competitions, including friendlies and the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The historical data gives Morocco a clear edge. The Atlas Lions have won 11 of those encounters, while Senegal have managed only 3 victories, with 5 matches ending in draws. Their most recent competitive meeting was in the CHAN semifinals in August 2025, where Morocco prevailed 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
The last senior friendly between the teams took place in October 2020 in Rabat, where Morocco secured a 3-1 victory.
Social Media Buzz and Superstitious Fans
The cat's prediction has ignited a frenzy on social media platforms. Fans are divided between amusement and genuine superstition, with many joking that Morocco's fate has been sealed by a "four-legged pundit." The lighthearted moment provides a unique and quirky narrative to the climax of the continent's biggest football tournament.
Whether Nimbus Pronos's prediction will prove accurate one final time remains to be seen. What is certain is that the AFCON 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal promises to be a spectacle filled with drama, history, and the relentless pursuit of glory, with an unlikely feline analyst adding an unforgettable twist to the pre-match buildup.
