AFCON 2025 semi-finals set for January 14
The 35th Africa Cup of Nations has its final four. Senegal will face Egypt, while Morocco meet Nigeria in two semi-finals scheduled for January 14. By the end of the night, Africa will know the two finalists who will try to succeed Ivory Coast, eliminated in the quarterfinals.
Senegal vs Egypt: a rivalry built on recent finals
Senegal-Egypt comes with the feel of a reunion between sides that know each other well. Their most memorable recent meeting was the AFCON 2021 final, played in 2022 in Cameroon, where Senegal won their first title after a 0-0 draw and a 4-2 penalty shootout.
That match still frames the narrative. For Senegal, it is proof they can manage pressure and win the tightest games. For Egypt, it remains a benchmark and a motivation, as the semi-final offers a chance to respond on a stage both teams respect.
A long head-to-head, with Egypt holding the edge
The two nations first met in an AFCON finals phase in 1986, when Senegal won 1-0. Egypt answered in 2000 with the same scoreline. Senegal then beat Egypt 1-0 in 2002, before losing 1-2 in 2006, illustrating how narrow the margins often are.
Across all competitions, the statistics favor Egypt, who have more wins overall: eight victories to Senegal’s four. Numbers do not decide a semi-final, but they underline Egypt’s long-term consistency and Senegal’s need to be clinical in the key moments.
What each team is chasing in this semi-final
Egypt have been regulars in the later stages, reaching the final at the 2017 and 2021 editions. After being eliminated in the quarterfinals in Abidjan in 2023, they are looking to re-establish that habit of going deep into the tournament.
Senegal, champions for the first time at the 33rd edition, are aiming to put themselves in position to reach a third final in four editions, following 2019 and 2022. In that sense, this semi-final is also about sustaining a new standard.
Morocco vs Nigeria: best defense meets best attack
The second semi-final, Morocco-Nigeria, is presented as a clash of styles. Morocco have the tournament’s best defense, conceding one goal, while Nigeria’s back line has allowed two. Nigeria, meanwhile, bring the best attack, scoring 14 goals to Morocco’s nine.
Those figures suggest a clear tactical contrast. Morocco’s structure has limited opportunities and kept games under control. Nigeria’s forward play has produced volume and variety in front of goal. The semi-final will test which identity holds under maximum tension.
AFCON history: a semi-final rematch and earlier meetings
This is the second time the two sides meet in an AFCON semi-final. In 1980, Nigeria beat Morocco 1-0, a result still referenced in both countries’ football memory. Their AFCON meetings also include a 2000 group-stage match won 2-0 by Nigeria.
In 2004, the year Morocco last reached the final, Morocco beat Nigeria 2-1. Across all competitions, Morocco have five victories to Nigeria’s three, a reminder that this is not a one-sided rivalry, even when form lines seem to point one way.
Key players to watch: Diaz, El Kaabi, Osimhen, Lookman
Individual matchups could tilt the balance. Morocco’s Brahim Diaz arrives as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals in five matches, supported by Ayoub El Kaabi on three. Nigeria respond with Victor Oshimen, credited with four goals and two assists, and Ademola Lookman with three goals and four assists.
Beyond the numbers, these are players who can decide a semi-final in a single sequence. If Morocco’s defense can restrict service, Nigeria may be forced to create from deeper positions. If Nigeria press effectively, Morocco’s build-up will be tested.
Experience, pressure, and the fine line of realism
Nigeria’s recent record suggests they know how to cross the semi-final barrier, reinforced by their appearance in the last edition’s final. Morocco, by contrast, have not reached an AFCON final in more than 20 years, with the last coming in 2004, which adds a different kind of pressure.
Nigeria also carry the desire to show that their elimination in continental play-offs during the World Cup qualification campaign was only a temporary setback. In both semi-finals, the likely winner is the team that converts its chances. Commitment alone rarely settles matches at this level.