AFCON 2025 semi-finals: Morocco v Nigeria, Senegal v Egypt

The AFCON 2025 semi-finals are set for Wednesday, January 14, with two heavyweight clashes that pit hosts Morocco against Nigeria in Rabat and Senegal against Egypt in Tangier. The final four booked their places after an action-packed quarter-final weekend across Morocco.

AFCON 2025 semi-finals: fixtures, venues and form

Morocco play Nigeria at the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat. Senegal face Egypt at the Grand Stade de Tanger. Both semi-finals are scheduled for January 14, with evening kick-offs. Morocco advanced by defeating Cameroon 2–0, while Senegal edged Mali 1–0 to become the first team into the last four. Nigeria beat Algeria 2–0, and Egypt ousted holders Côte d’Ivoire 3–2 in Agadir.

Morocco v Nigeria: hosts meet a resurgent Super Eagles

The hosts hit their stride against Cameroon, with Brahim Díaz scoring again and Ismael Saibari adding the second to calm earlier nerves around Walid Regragui’s side. That display suggested a better balance between front-foot pressing and game management. Nigeria arrive buoyed by a commanding win over Algeria. Victor Osimhen headed the opener and helped create the second for Akor Adams, underlining a direct, energetic approach that limited Algeria’s threats. The Super Eagles will look to test Morocco’s back line with early balls into the box and rapid transitions.

Senegal v Egypt: a final rematch with layers

Senegal and Egypt renew a rivalry that decided the 2021 title and a World Cup ticket in 2022. Iliman Ndiaye’s quarter-final strike pushed the reigning champions through, setting up a high-stakes meeting with Mohamed Salah’s revitalised Pharaohs in Tangier. Egypt produced their most complete performance of the tournament to knock out Côte d’Ivoire. Salah scored and matched Hossam Hassan’s tournament tally, as Hossam Hassan’s side mixed compact defending with incisive breaks. That template will likely return against Senegal’s structured 4-3-3.

Players to watch and tactical questions

Brahim Díaz leads the scoring charts at this tournament and remains central to Morocco’s chance creation between the lines. How Nigeria contain him while tracking Saibari’s runs could shape the contest in Rabat. Osimhen’s aerial threat and channel runs powered Nigeria past Algeria. Morocco’s full-backs must choose when to advance, knowing quick diagonals to Osimhen can flip territory fast. In midfield, Sofyan Amrabat’s control against the athletic duo behind Osimhen will be a key battleground. For Senegal, Ndiaye offers penetration from wide areas, supported by a back line that conceded little against Mali. Egypt counter with Salah’s movement into central pockets and Omar Marmoush’s pace on the break. Set pieces may prove decisive if open play tightens.

What Wednesday’s showdowns mean

With the tournament compressed into the festive period, rhythm and recovery matter as much as tactics. Hosts Morocco carry pressure and home advantage; Nigeria bring momentum and physical edge. In Tangier, Senegal’s championship nous meets Egypt’s resurgent belief under Hossam Hassan. By Thursday morning, Africa will know which two giants return to Rabat for the final on January 18.

Snapshot of the road so far

• Morocco 2–0 Cameroon; Senegal 1–0 Mali.

Nigeria 2–0 Algeria; Egypt 3–2 Côte d’Ivoire.

The stakes in clear terms

Two host cities, two continental rivalries, and one night to decide the AFCON 2025 finalists. The winners will contest the title in Morocco on January 18, with the third-place match set for the previous day