Senegal, Egypt, Nigeria and Morocco Advance to AFCON 2025 Semi-Finals
Both matches are expected to draw massive attention as four of Africa’s football giants battle for a place in the final.
The semi-finals of the AFCON 2025 competition will be building towards the finals set on January 18 in Rabat. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Quarter-Final Victories Set Major Last-Four Showdowns
Four heavyweights of the continent, Senegal, Egypt, Nigeria and hosts Morocco, have secured their place in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 courtesy of impressive quarter-final victories. These top four African nations notched up convincing wins in the last eight matches, upholding their title hopes as the tournament builds up to its decisive stage.
The semi-finals will take place on Wednesday, January 14, with Africa’s most revered and accomplished footballing nations locking horns for a chance for the final, with record seven-time African champions Egypt, three-time winners Nigeria, defending champions Senegal, and host nation Morocco now standing on the threshold of the coveted trophy.
Senegal were the first team to claim a spot in the semi-finals, edging past Mali in a 1-0 scoreline in a tightly contested West African derby played on Friday. The Lions of Teranga showed discipline and composure in a match that demanded patience and tactical awareness. The convincing moment was short-lived until the first half when Iliman Ndiaye finished clinically to make Senegal go ahead. The defending champion then held on with authority to seal a hard-fought victory and advance to the last four.
As from Saturday, Egypt was through to the semi-finals after a thrilling high-tempo battle that saw the Pharaohs outsmart the defending champions, Côte d’Ivoire. The Pharaonic 3–2- ending victory of the Elephants clipped the reign of the west African side. Through this win, Egypt confirmed its pedigree once again on the continental scene as well as ensuring its inclusion among the final four.
Morocco – Nigeria Clash About to Blaze
The hosts went further to secure a semi-final berth by bringing Cameroon to its knees with a commanding 2-0 victory. With the home support behind them, the Atlas Lions were paramount in proceedings and, as ever, exhibiting their attacking quality and defensive solidity. Goals by Brahim Diaz and Ismaël Saibari were quite enough to see Morocco through relatively comfortably and still alive in the dream of lifting the AFCON title at home.
Completing the semi-final line-up are Nigeria, who produced a composed and clinical performance to defeat Algeria 2 – 0 in their quarter-final encounter. The Super Eagles demonstrated growing confidence and attacking intent, eventually breaking through courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams. Their decisive finishes rewarded Nigeria’s dominance and set up a mouth-watering semi-final clash against the tournament hosts.
The semi-finals will feature Senegal taking on Egypt in a heavyweight duel at Tangier on Wednesday at 8 p.m. EAT (5:00 p.m. GMT). The second semi-final will pit Morocco against Nigeria in Rabat, with kickoff scheduled for 11 p.m. EAT (8:00 p.m. GMT). Both matches are expected to draw massive attention as four of Africa’s football giants battle for a place in the final.
This represents a very vital bridge towards the final to be played on January 18 in Rabat. All four teams have rich historical backgrounds and boast very strong squads, making this set to be a grand finale of Africa’s prime football tournament as fans await exciting moments throughout the continent.
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