Senegal’s Foreign Ministry has called the Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco a symbol of unity and long-standing ties between the two countries.

In a statement released Saturday, the ministry said the final, scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 18, in Rabat, goes beyond sport and reflects the “spirit of brotherhood” shared by the Senegalese and Moroccan peoples.

It emphasized that the relationship is rooted in “deep historical, economic, human and spiritual ties.”

The ministry described Senegal and Morocco as partners bound by decades of diplomatic, cultural and economic cooperation.

It also praised what it called Morocco’s “consistent and constructive collaboration” since the start of the tournament, and thanked Moroccan authorities for their support.

The statement comes amid heightened anticipation for Sunday’s final, which has drawn strong attendance and regional attention.

Both teams have enjoyed standout campaigns, and the match is expected to be one of the tournament’s highlights.

The final follows a brief diplomatic flare-up earlier this week, when the Senegalese Football Federation raised concerns about security, accommodation and logistics.

The Africa Cup of Nations Organizing Committee rejected complaints, saying all measures were in line with competition regulations and continental standards.

Shortly afterward, the Senegalese Football Federation issued a statement praising the swift intervention of Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, in resolving the issues faced by the Senegalese delegation.

The federation said all matters were handled in a spirit of brotherhood, mutual respect and sporting cooperation.

The foreign ministry’s statement reinforced a tone of reconciliation and regional solidarity ahead of the championship clash.