AFCON 2025: Egypt and Senegal clash in high-stakes semi-final today
Record champions Egypt face Senegal on Wednesday evening in Tangier, with a place in the final of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 at stake.
It is a semi-final rich in narrative and emotion—one that promises intensity, drama and the unmistakable magic of African football, according to cafonline.com.
Meetings between these two continental heavyweights have long been finely balanced.
Across 15 previous encounters, Egypt hold a narrow advantage with seven victories to Senegal’s five, while three matches have ended in draws.
At AFCON level, the margins are even finer: five meetings, two wins apiece and one draw—figures that underline just how evenly matched this rivalry has been.
A rivalry reignited
Their most recent AFCON meeting came in the 2021 final in Yaoundé, a night of sharply contrasting emotions.
Senegal claimed their maiden continental title, while Egypt were left heartbroken once again, falling short in their pursuit of an elusive eighth crown since their last triumph in 2010.
That final finished goalless after extra time, before Senegal triumphed in a tense penalty shoot-out.
Five years on, the two sides meet again, with memories of that epic duel still vivid. Senegal return seeking further validation of their growing pedigree, while Egypt arrive driven by unfinished business and the hunger for redemption.
Pharaohs chasing an eighth star
Since lifting the trophy in 2010, Egypt have suffered two painful final defeats—in 2017 and 2021—and the desire to return to the summit has only intensified. In Morocco, the Pharaohs have progressed with quiet assurance, strengthening their credentials with each performance.
Their dramatic 3–2 quarter-final victory over defending champions Côte d’Ivoire sent a strong message across the continent, underlining their determination to claim the coveted eighth title that has long defined their ambition.
Egypt topped their group with two wins and a draw, followed by a 3–1 Round of 16 victory over Benin, before striking three times again in the quarter-finals.
At the heart of their campaign stands Mohamed Salah. Still in pursuit of a maiden AFCON title, the Liverpool forward has led by example, registering four goals and one assist so far. His influence, leadership and cutting edge will once again be central as Egypt confront familiar rivals.
Senegal form
For Senegal, Wednesday’s semi-final comes with an added sense of comfort. While Egypt have travelled from Agadir—where they have been based throughout the tournament—the Lions of Teranga remain in Tangier, the city that has hosted all their matches so far.
Familiarity with the stadium, conditions and atmosphere could offer a subtle psychological advantage.
Like Egypt, Senegal topped their group before easing past Sudan 3–1 in the Round of 16. In the quarter-finals, they were tested by a resilient 10-man Mali side but edged through with a narrow 1–0 victory, demonstrating patience and control under pressure.
Senegal’s strength has been collective rather than individual. Their attacking trio—Iliman Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson and captain Sadio Mané—has combined effectively, delivering with cohesion and efficiency.
Although Mané has found the net just once during the tournament, his creativity, movement and leadership have been instrumental in unlocking stubborn defences. He has created the joint-most chances at the current AFCON with 14, alongside Ademola Lookman, with Salah close behind on 12.
Fine margins under the Tangier lights
A familiar subplot will see Mané once again face his former Liverpool teammate Salah—two global stars carrying the hopes of their nations.
Senegal’s attacking intent now meets an Egyptian defence renowned for organisation and resilience, setting the stage for a tactical and emotional contest where every detail could prove decisive.
In a semi-final shaped by history and fuelled by pride, this is a match where blinking could mean missing everything. Only one nation will take the next step towards continental glory.
