The business end of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is upon us, as Senegal and Egypt prepare to clash in a tantalizing semi-final in Tangier on Wednesday, January 14. Both teams have enjoyed strong campaigns, each winning four of their five matches, but the manner of their victories offers contrasting narratives.
Match Preview
Senegal, currently Africa’s second-ranked side behind hosts Morocco, are chasing their third AFCON final appearance in the last four editions. Coach Pape Thiaw’s men have been impressive so far, recording two wins and a draw in the group stage before cruising past Sudan 3-1 in the Round of 16 and edging Mali 1-0 in the quarter-finals.
The Lions of Teranga have combined attacking firepower with defensive discipline, scoring 11 goals while conceding just twice and keeping three clean sheets in five matches. Historically, Senegal have enjoyed the upper hand against Egypt, winning three of their last five encounters, including the clash that eliminated the Pharaohs from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Egypt, seven-time AFCON champions, have faced a more laboured route. Their group stage victories came via stoppage-time and penalty-won efforts against Zimbabwe and South Africa, alongside a goalless draw with Angola. The Pharaohs needed extra time to overcome Benin in the Round of 16 and narrowly defeated Côte d’Ivoire 3-2 in the quarter-final, despite holding a 3-1 lead during the match.
Vulnerabilities remain in the Egyptian side that Senegal will look to exploit, particularly in defence and midfield transitions.
Team News
Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has a fully-fit squad to choose from, with captain Sadio Mane expected to inspire the team. Mane has registered three assists so far, second overall in the tournament. Key players include Iliman Ndiaye, scorer of the quarter-final winner, and Nicolas Jackson, who could start after being an unused substitute in recent matches. Pape Gueye will anchor the midfield following his decisive brace against Sudan.
Egypt will rely heavily on Mohamed Salah, who has four goals in the tournament and is in contention for the Golden Boot. Salah also has a chance to become Egypt’s joint all-time top AFCON scorer if he finds the net. However, Egypt will miss Mohamed Hamdi due to a knee injury, with Ahmed Fatouh expected to step in. Forward Omar Marmoush will be key to breaking down Senegal’s tight defence after his quarter-final goal.
Predicted Lineups
Senegal (Possible): Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; Diarra, I. Gueye, P. Gueye; Ndiaye, Jackson, Mane
Egypt (Possible): El Shenawy; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Fatouh; Attia, Fathi, Adel; Salah, Marmoush, Trezeguet
Prediction
Senegal 1-0 Egypt
Senegal’s momentum, recent head-to-head advantage, and blend of attack and defence suggest they are favourites to reach the AFCON 2025 final. Egypt, while talented, have yet to display consistent fluency and will face a tough challenge in Tangier.
