Sadio Mané, Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi, Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen. The cast for the AFCON semifinals is absolutely stacked. A closer look at Egypt vs Senegal and Morocco vs Nigeria.
Senegal vs Egypt: A Long-Awaited Revenge
Denied a continental title and a World Cup berth by Senegal within the span of just two months, Egypt have struggled to rebuild and arrived at this AFCON surrounded by uncertainty. After two years under Rui Vitória, Egypt were knocked out early at AFCON 2023. In response, Hossam Hassan was appointed with a threefold mission: qualify for AFCON 2025, return Egypt to the World Cup, and win this AFCON on Moroccan soil.
Following an unconvincing group stage—two narrow wins and an uninspiring draw against Angola—Egypt managed to eliminate the defending champions. With a solid defensive structure and fluid counterattacks, the Pharaohs threatened Ivory Coast every time they went forward. And that aspect will be crucial against Senegal.
Given the lack of pace in the Koulibaly–Niakhaté center-back pairing, Egypt would be wise to relentlessly exploit that weakness with the speed of Omar Marmoush. The Manchester City forward is in excellent form and eager to prove he deserves more than a substitute’s role under Pep Guardiola.
While Senegal enter this matchup as favorites, Egypt’s fighting spirit could tip the balance. Without displaying the same polished football as the Lions of Teranga, Egypt rely on a united squad, firmly guided by Hossam Hassan—a man who knows these moments well, having won AFCON himself in 2006.
Morocco vs Nigeria: A Final Before the Final
This is a blockbuster clash between two teams that have made a strong impression. After difficult opening matches—Morocco drawing Mali and narrowly beating Comoros, Nigeria struggling against Tanzania—both sides chose to abandon caution in favor of attacking ambition.
With a midfield trio built around technical quality—El Aynaoui, Saibari, and El Khannouss—Morocco shine through ball retention and creativity, feeding an attacking trio of Brahim Díaz, Abde Ezzalzouli, and Ayoub El Kaabi. Morocco have also impressed with their pressing intensity, a weapon that suffocated Cameroon and forced the Indomitable Lions into playing long balls just to escape the Moroccan trap.
Against Nigeria, however, Morocco must be extremely cautious with those long balls. Victor Osimhen is a completely different caliber compared to Christian Kofane or Lassine Sinayoko. Osimhen dominates aerial duels, and Nigeria’s five-man structure is well equipped to attack second balls.
This matchup promises an offensive fireworks display between two of the tournament’s most dangerous attacks—and feels very much like a final before the final.
Score Prediction
| Sénégal 0 | 2 Égypte |
| Morocco 1 | 3 Nigeria |