Senegal striker Nicolas Jackson has played down any sense of pressure ahead of his side’s semi-final showdown with Egypt at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Grand Stadium of Tangier will host the encounter on Wednesday evening as Senegal and Egypt face off for a place in the final of the tournament, which is currently being staged in Morocco.
Speaking ahead of the match, Jackson insisted that previous meetings between the two sides are no longer relevant, with the focus firmly on the challenge ahead.
“Our last matches against Egypt are in the past, now it is time to prepare for tomorrow’s match, which promises to be extremely important,” he said.
The forward noted that Senegal’s preparations have been intense as the team looks to be in peak condition for the decisive clash.
“We are training today to be in the best possible shape in preparation for this crucial match. We know it will not be easy, but the key is to prepare well for this game and come out victorious,” Jackson stated.
Jackson also acknowledged Egypt’s tactical approach, stressing that the Pharaohs’ style demands careful planning.
“Everyone knows it won’t be an easy match. The Egyptian national team is an opponent that often plays in a compact, defensive style, but every match requires special preparation. We will take it seriously, and we will do our best to win tomorrow,” he added.
Wednesday’s semi-final clash between Egypt and Senegal will kick off at 17:00GMT.
