AFCON 2025 Semi-Finals: Fixtures, History, Key Players, Predictions & Where to Watch

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AFCON 2025 Semi-Finals: Fixtures, History, Key Players, Predictions & Where to Watch

The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 has reached its penultimate stage, and the semi-final lineup is nothing short of spectacular.

 Four African giants Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, and Senegal  will battle for a place in the final, setting up two heavyweight clashes that promise drama, skill, and history.

How They Got Here

  • Egypt: Knocked out defending champions Ivory Coast in a thrilling 3-2 quarter-final. Goals from Omar Marmoush, Rami Rabia, and Mohamed Salah sealed the win in a pulsating contest.
  • Nigeria: Overpowered Algeria 2-0 thanks to Victor Osimhen’s opener and Akor Adams’ clincher, showcasing discipline and lethal counter-attacks.
  • Senegal: Edged Mali 1-0 in a tense West African derby, with Iliman Ndiaye’s first-half strike proving decisive.
  • Morocco: The hosts cruised past Cameroon 2-0, with Brahim Diaz and Ismaël Saibari on target to keep their dream of lifting the trophy at home alive.

Confirmed Semi-Final Fixtures

  • Senegal vs Egypt – Tangier Grand Stadium
    Wednesday, 14 January – Kick-off: 19:00 CAT
  • Morocco vs Nigeria –  Marrakesh Stadium
    Wednesday, 14 January – Kick-off: 22:00 CAT

The winners will meet in the AFCON 2025 Final on Saturday, 18 January in Rabat, with continental glory and bragging rights on the line.

Head-to-Head Records

Senegal vs Egypt

  • Overall: Egypt lead with 3 wins, Senegal have 2, and 1 draw.
  • AFCON history: 4 meetings — 2 wins each.
  • Recent memory: Senegal beat Egypt on penalties in the 2021 AFCON final.

Morocco vs Nigeria

  • Overall: Nigeria hold a slight edge historically, but Morocco have home advantage.
  • AFCON finals history: Morocco beat Nigeria in 2004; Nigeria triumphed in 2000.

Predictions

Senegal vs Egypt: Senegal’s physicality and depth give them a slight edge, but Egypt’s experience and Salah’s brilliance make this a 50-50 clash.

Prediction: Senegal 2-1 Egypt (after extra time).

Morocco vs Nigeria: Morocco’s home advantage and defensive solidity vs Nigeria’s attacking firepower. Expect a tight contest.

Prediction: Morocco 1-1 Nigeria (Morocco win on penalties).

Key Players to Watch

Senegal

  • Sadio Mané: The talisman, capable of turning tight games with moments of brilliance.
  • Iliman Ndiaye: Creative spark and scorer of the quarter-final winner.

Egypt

  • Mohamed Salah: The Pharaohs’ captain and clutch performer, already decisive in the quarters.
  • Emam Ashour: Two assists vs Ivory Coast; a midfield engine with vision.

Morocco

  • Brahim Diaz: Scored in the last eight; brings flair and unpredictability.
  • Achraf Hakimi: The heartbeat of Morocco’s attacking transitions from full-back.

Nigeria

  • Victor Osimhen: Four goals so far; relentless and clinical in front of goal.
  • Akor Adams: Adds power and aerial threat; scored against Algeria.

Where to Watch in South Africa

  • SuperSport TV (DStv) – All matches live in HD
  • SABC Sport – Selected matches free-to-air
  • CAF TV (YouTube) – Global live streaming

Road to Glory

The semi-finals will set the stage for an epic finale on 18 January in Rabat. Will Morocco make history on home soil? Can Nigeria reclaim continental dominance? Or will Salah or Mané lead their nations to glory?

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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