Morocco’s Secret Weapon in Wait: Onahi’s Possible Final Return Keeps Senegal Guessing

Final prep: Onahi’s potential comeback

Onahi, Girona’s midfielder, is close to full recovery and ready to attend the Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal, scheduled for Sunday.

It is expected he will start on the bench after missing the last three matches with a calf injury sustained in Morocco’s training ahead of Tanzania.

Sources indicate Onahi trained normally with the rest of the squad, shedding the lingering calf discomfort and telling the coaching and medical staff that he wants to play.

The Saturday medical report will determine how many minutes he can play, but insiders say it is unlikely he will start at kick-off and could be used as a substitute.

Regragui had previously teased Moroccan media about Onahi’s availability before the semi-final with Nigeria, later clarifying that the message was a wish, not a fact, and that the player remains injured.

Meanwhile Regragui could rely on Román Saïss, who has recovered from his injury after the opener against the Comoros, but the coach will not risk starting him from the first whistle.

Bottom line: if Onahi makes it, Morocco’s attack will get an extra gear; if not, the bench will still be ready to deliver a sharp response. If timing is everything in finals, then Morocco’s depth just brought a sniper’s smile to the bench—quiet, efficient, and ready to strike when the moment arrives. The saga continues, and the world watches with popcorn in hand.