The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations reaches a decisive stage on Wednesday as the four remaining teams battle for places in the final, but several leading players face the danger of suspension at the most critical moment of the tournament.
A single yellow card in the semi-finals could rule out major names from the final, even if their teams secure qualification.
Across the four contenders, 20 players walk a disciplinary tightrope. Any booking on Wednesday would trigger a one-match ban for the final.
Coaches now balance intensity with caution as they prepare their squads for two high-stakes encounters.
Senegal faces the greatest concern. Seven important players carry the risk of suspension ahead of the semi-final clash with Egypt.
Ibrahim Mbaye, Kalidou Koulibaly, Pape Gueye, Ismail Jakobs, Habib Diarra, Habib Diallo, and Nicolas Jackson must manage their aggression carefully.
Despite the threat, head coach Pape Thiaw has urged his squad to maintain their usual intensity and focus, insisting that fear of punishment should not shape performance.
Morocco, the host nation, enters the semi-finals with fewer worries. Only three Atlas Lions stand one booking away from missing the final.
Sofiane Rahimi, Bilal El Khannouss, and Ismael Saibari carry that burden as Morocco prepares to face Nigeria.
The limited number gives the hosts greater tactical freedom, though discipline remains essential.
Goalkeepers also find themselves under scrutiny. Egypt risks losing Mohamed El Shenawy, a central figure in the Pharaohs’ defensive structure, while Nigeria could miss Stanley Nwabali, whose presence has brought stability to the Super Eagles.
Both teams rely heavily on their first-choice keepers as Egypt meets Senegal and Nigeria challenges Morocco.
Elsewhere, Egypt counts Ahmed Fatouh, Rami Rabia, Marwan Attia, Hamdi Fathi, and Hossam Abdelmaguid among those under threat.
Nigeria lists Calvin Bassey, Simon Moses, and Frank Onyeka alongside Nwabali.
Kick-off comes at 5:00 PM GMT for the first semi-final and 8:00 PM GMT for the second.
As the countdown begins, discipline may prove just as decisive as talent, with the final lineup still hanging in the balance.
