Tuesday Jan 13, 2026. 10:36
Two heavyweights will face one another in the first 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final as Egypt and Senegal clash in a rematch of the 2021 final at the Grand Stade de Tanger in Tangier on Wednesday.
Kick-off is at 7pm CAT.
Both teams finished atop their respective groups with seven points, each managing two wins and one draw.
Egypt has shown its scoring threat in the knockout stage, netting six goals in two games. The Pharaohs dispatched Benin 3-1 in the round of 16 before narrowly edging reigning champions Côte d’Ivoire 3-2 in the quarterfinals.
They will be without the services of Mohamed Hamdy, who has been ruled out with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
The Lions of Teranga also won their round of 16 fixture 3-1, overcoming Sudan, before beating Mali 1-0 in a tightly contested quarterfinal.
The two sides last met at the continental showpiece in the 2021 final where, after remaining goalless through open play, Senegal claimed its first title, winning 4-2 on penalties.
Having been denied an eighth title by the Lions of Teranga in 2021, the Pharaohs will be motivated to take revenge en route to a 10th appearance in the tournament’s final.
Senegal will be looking to continue its quest for a second title and will be keen to prove its metal against an old foe.
By Nid Gleeson
