{"id":3601,"date":"2026-01-11T19:15:37","date_gmt":"2026-01-11T16:15:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vibrantmedianews.com\/?p=3601"},"modified":"2026-02-05T15:47:40","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T12:47:40","slug":"afcon-2025-semi-finals-morocco-nigeria-senegal-egypt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vibrantmedianews.com\/sw\/afcon-2025-semi-finals-morocco-nigeria-senegal-egypt\/","title":{"rendered":"AFCON 2025 semi-finals: Morocco v Nigeria, Senegal v Egypt"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AFCON 2025 semi-finals: fixtures, venues and form<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u20130, while Senegal edged Mali 1\u20130 to become the first team into the last four. Nigeria beat Algeria 2\u20130, and Egypt ousted holders C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire 3\u20132 in Agadir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Morocco v Nigeria: hosts meet a resurgent Super Eagles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The hosts hit their stride against Cameroon, with Brahim D\u00edaz scoring again and Ismael Saibari adding the second to calm earlier nerves around Walid Regragui\u2019s 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\u2019s threats. The Super Eagles will look to test Morocco\u2019s back line with early balls into the box and rapid transitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Senegal v Egypt: a final rematch with layers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Senegal and Egypt renew a rivalry that decided the 2021 title and a World Cup ticket in 2022. Iliman Ndiaye\u2019s quarter-final strike pushed the reigning champions through, setting up a high-stakes meeting with Mohamed Salah\u2019s revitalised Pharaohs in Tangier. Egypt produced their most complete performance of the tournament to knock out C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire. Salah scored and matched Hossam Hassan\u2019s tournament tally, as Hossam Hassan\u2019s side mixed compact defending with incisive breaks. That template will likely return against Senegal\u2019s structured 4-3-3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Players to watch and tactical questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Brahim D\u00edaz leads the scoring charts at this tournament and remains central to Morocco\u2019s chance creation between the lines. How Nigeria contain him while tracking Saibari\u2019s runs could shape the contest in Rabat. Osimhen\u2019s aerial threat and channel runs powered Nigeria past Algeria. Morocco\u2019s full-backs must choose when to advance, knowing quick diagonals to Osimhen can flip territory fast. In midfield, Sofyan Amrabat\u2019s 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\u2019s movement into central pockets and Omar Marmoush\u2019s pace on the break. Set pieces may prove decisive if open play tightens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Wednesday\u2019s showdowns mean<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s championship nous meets Egypt\u2019s resurgent belief under Hossam Hassan. By Thursday morning, Africa will know which two giants return to Rabat for the final on January 18.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Snapshot of the road so far<\/h2>\n\n\n\n