Senegal and Egypt are set to go head-to-head in a blockbuster semi-final encounter at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday, January 14.
With a place in the final on the line, two of Africa’s football heavyweights will renew a rivalry that has defined recent AFCON history.
This highly anticipated match forms part of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, Africa’s flagship international football competition. Only the very best teams remain in contention for the ultimate prize, with both Senegal and Egypt arriving here with clear ambition and a deep belief that the trophy is within reach.
Date, Stadium & Kick-off Time
The semi-final will be played on Wednesday evening, with kick-off scheduled for around 17:00GMT. The venue for this crucial clash is the Ibn Battouta Stadium in Tangier, a modern arena that has hosted several high-profile matches during the tournament and is expected to provide a vibrant atmosphere for this decisive battle.
🇸🇳 Senegal 🆚 Egypt 🇪🇬
Who’s going to the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 final? @1xBet_Eng pic.twitter.com/8f6qV4oSEw
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 14, 2026
Road to the Semi-final
Egypt’s route to the semi-finals has been marked by resilience and attacking intent. The Pharaohs topped their group with seven points, showing early signs of their title credentials. They followed that up with a convincing 3-1 victory over Benin in the round of 16 before producing one of the games of the tournament in the quarter-finals, edging past Ivory Coast in a thrilling 3-2 encounter to eliminate the defending champions.
Senegal’s journey has been equally impressive and built on discipline and efficiency. The reigning champions also finished top of their group with seven points, underlining their consistency. They dispatched Sudan in the round of 16 and then secured a narrow but decisive 1-0 victory over Mali in the quarter-finals, a result that confirmed their status as one of the most balanced sides left in the competition.
Coaches
On the touchline, the tactical duel will be just as fascinating as the action on the pitch. Senegal are guided by Pape Thiaw, whose calm authority has transformed the Lions of Teranga into a formidable force since taking over. Egypt, on the other hand, are led by celebrated former player Hossam Hassan. Under his guidance, the Pharaohs look to have found themselves as they march in search of an eighth AFCON trophy.
Key players to decide the contest
Key players are expected to play a decisive role in shaping the outcome of this semi-final. Senegal will once again look to the influence of Sadio Mané, whose leadership and attacking quality remain central to their ambitions, while the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly provide defensive solidity. Mané at the 2025 AFCON has contributed one goal and four assists, making him an important asset in the attack of the Teranga Lions.
Egypt’s hopes largely rest on Mohamed Salah, whose creativity and goal threat can change games in an instant, supported by a squad that blends experience with youthful energy. He has led by example at the ongoing tournament in Morocco, adding massive defensive work to his play. He has four goals and can decide the contest for Egypt this evening.
Head-to-Head
Historically, meetings between Senegal and Egypt have produced memorable moments. Their most recent iconic clash came in the 2022 AFCON final, where Senegal finally lifted the trophy after a penalty shootout victory. Egypt, however, boast a superior historical record in the competition with seven titles, a reminder of their enduring pedigree on the continental stage.
In terms of key statistics, both teams arrive at the semi-final unbeaten in the tournament, having conceded few goals and shown strong defensive organisation. Senegal have relied on control and compactness, while Egypt have combined efficiency with moments of attacking brilliance, making this a fascinating contrast of styles.
Prediction
Predicting the outcome is far from straightforward. Senegal’s cohesion and physical strength give them a slight edge, but Egypt’s experience in high-pressure matches and their ability to rise on big occasions cannot be underestimated. This contest could well be decided by fine margins, extra time or even penalties.
Senegal 3-2 Egypt.
🇸🇳 Senegal 🆚 Egypt 🇪🇬
Who’s going to the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 final? @1xBet_Eng pic.twitter.com/8f6qV4oSEw
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 14, 2026
Where to Watch
For fans eager to follow the action live, the match will be broadcast across several free-to-air African channels. Viewers can watch on Arryadia HD in Morocco via the Badr 26 East satellite, Algeria’s terrestrial channel on Nilesat, RTS1 Sénégal on Eutelsat 9B, TVGE in Equatorial Guinea on Astra 23 East, and Canal 2 International in Cameroon on Eutelsat 9 East.
As Senegal and Egypt step onto the pitch in Tangier, only one will move a step closer to continental glory, while the other will see their AFCON 2025 dream come to an end in what promises to be an unforgettable semi-final night.
You can follow the match live on Africasoccer.
