Egypt heads into its Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Senegal on Wednesday with a high-stakes challenge beyond the pitch. Six key players are at risk of missing the final if they receive a yellow card in the semi-final, adding an extra layer of tension to a crucial encounter.
The players on the brink of suspension are goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy, defenders Rami Rabia and Hossam Abdel Maguid, and midfielders Marwan Attia, Hamdi Fathi, and Ahmed Fattouh.
The quartet of Rabia, Attia, Fathi, and Fattouh picked up yellow cards during Egypt’s 3-1 Round of 16 victory over Benin, while El-Shenawy and Abdel Maguid were booked in the 3-2 quarter-final win over Ivory Coast. Any caution against Senegal would see them sidelined for the final, should the Pharaohs advance.
Egypt’s journey in the 2025 AFCON has been marked by resilience and high-scoring performances. They opened the tournament with a 2-1 win over Zimbabwe, followed by a 1-0 victory against South Africa and a goalless draw with Angola in the group stage.
In the knockout rounds, the Pharaohs overcame Benin 3-1 in the Round of 16 before edging past Ivory Coast 3-2 in the quarter-finals, securing their place in the last four.
Egypt’s head coach and players must carefully manage aggression and discipline to avoid suspensions that could weaken the squad for the final.
The semi-final clash not only tests the team’s tactical strength but also its ability to navigate the disciplinary risks posed by key players on the verge of suspension.
