The Africa Cup of Nations reaches its decisive stage as record holders Egypt face former champions Senegal in a high-stakes semi-final at Tangier Stadium on Wednesday, January 14. The two sides last met in the 2022 final, where Senegal triumphed 4–2 on penalties after a 0–0 stalemate, and now the Pharaohs will seek revenge, buoyed by their status as Africa’s most decorated nation. With both teams boasting rich continental pedigree, a place in the AFCON 2025 final hangs in the balance, promising another thrilling showdown between two of the continent’s finest sides.

Senegal arrive in Tangier carrying the tag of Africa’s second-highest ranked nation, sitting 19th globally and only behind hosts Morocco on the continent. Egypt, ranked 34th in the world and third in Africa, bring with them the weight of history as seven-time champions, eager to reclaim a title they last lifted in 2010.

Both sides have recorded four wins from five matches in the tournament so far, yet their journeys to the semi-finals tell contrasting stories. Senegal have looked controlled and convincing, while Egypt’s progress has often relied on narrow margins and late moments.

The Lions of Teranga have steadily grown into the tournament and appear to be peaking at the right time. After navigating the group stage unbeaten with two wins and a draw, Pape Thiaw’s side eased past Sudan 3–1 in the Round of 16 before edging Mali 1–0 in a physically demanding quarter-final. Their balance has stood out, combining attacking efficiency with defensive solidity. Eleven goals scored and just two conceded, alongside three clean sheets, underline a team that is comfortable both with and without the ball.

Recent history also leans in Senegal’s favour. They have won three of the last five meetings against Egypt, including the most recent competitive encounter that ended the Pharaohs’ World Cup hopes in Qatar. Notably, Egypt have found goals hard to come by in this fixture, managing just once in their last five meetings with Senegal.

Egypt’s path to the semi-finals has been far less straightforward. Like Senegal, they emerged from the group unbeaten, but required a late winner against Zimbabwe and a penalty to overcome South Africa, before settling for a scoreless draw with Angola. The knockout phase demanded even more resilience, as extra time was needed to dispatch Benin in the Round of 16, while a dramatic 3–2 quarter-final victory over Côte d’Ivoire exposed moments of defensive fragility despite holding a two-goal advantage at one stage.

Those vulnerabilities could prove costly against a Senegalese side that transitions quickly and attacks with numbers. While Egypt possess experience and tournament know-how, their inconsistency has left questions heading into this contest.

Team news favours Senegal, who have a full squad available. Thiaw has enjoyed goals from multiple sources, with Iliman Ndiaye scoring the decisive quarter-final goal and Pape Gueye contributing a brace earlier in the tournament. Nicolas Jackson remains an option in attack, while midfield control will again rest heavily on the shoulders of Pape Gueye.

Egypt’s hopes will centre on Mohamed Salah, who continues to carry the attacking burden. The Liverpool forward has already netted four goals and provided one assist, placing him among the tournament’s leading scorers.

A further goal would also see him draw level with Hassan El-Shazly as Egypt’s joint top AFCON scorer. However, the Pharaohs will be without defender Mohamed Hamdi through injury, with Ahmed Fatouh expected to deputise once more after a mixed outing in the quarter-finals. Omar Marmoush is also expected to lead the line after continuing his scoring form.

Beyond tactics and statistics, this semi-final carries added stardust through the duel between two of Africa’s most decorated players. Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah, both two-time African Player of the Year winners, once again take centre stage. Mané has enjoyed a creative tournament, contributing three assists and a goal, and now stands on the brink of setting a new AFCON assist record, having already surpassed Yaya Touré’s long-standing mark. His influence is reflected in his tournament-leading 14 key passes. Salah, meanwhile, has produced four goals and 12 key passes, ranking among the competition’s most decisive players.

While Egypt’s pedigree ensures they can never be underestimated at this stage, Senegal enter the contest with greater cohesion and momentum. The semi-final is unlikely to be one-sided, but the Lions of Teranga appear better equipped to navigate the fine margins and edge closer to another AFCON final.