Senegal, currently Africa’s second-ranked team just behind hosts Morocco, are aiming to reach their third AFCON final in the last four editions. A win here would also see them reclaim the number one spot on the continent.
The Lions of Teranga have started the tournament strongly, picking up two wins and a draw in the group stage. Their knockout run has been equally impressive, with a 3-1 victory over Sudan in the Round-of-16 followed by a hard-fought 1-0 win over Mali in the quarter-finals.
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Softfootball reported that Senegal Edge Past 10-Man Mali to Book AFCON 2025 Semi-Final Spot, highlighting their attacking efficiency and defensive resilience.
Eleven goals in five matches show off their firepower, but Senegal’s discipline at the back has been equally key they’ve kept three clean sheets and conceded just twice in their last five outings.
Senegal also have a strong recent record against Egypt, having won three of their last five meetings, including the most recent encounter that saw the Pharaohs eliminated from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Ahead of this latest showdown, the fixture was highlighted on Senegal’s official X handle as a battle between two African giants, with contrasting histories and ambitions, and a place in the final at stake. The message emphasized readiness, total focus, intensity, and unity, noting that matches of this magnitude are often decided by the finest details, as the Lions look to push forward together for the country, the shirt, and their place in history.
SEMI-FINAL
Two giants of African football. Two stories. Two ambitions. One spot in the final to go claim. The Lions are ready. Maximum concentration, total intensity, solidarity to the end. In this kind of match, everything comes down to the details. We move forward together. For the country. For the jersey. For history.
Egypt, meanwhile, have struggled to score against Senegal, netting just once across their previous five meetings. Mohamed Salah inspires Egypt into AFCON semi-final after win over Ivory Coast in the quarter-final, but the Pharaohs still face a stern challenge against a well-drilled Senegalese side.
The Pharaohs’ group-stage campaign mirrored Senegal’s in results, but not in performance. Their wins were narrow, needing a stoppage-time goal to beat Zimbabwe and a penalty to edge South Africa, while drawing 0-0 with Angola.
In the knockout rounds, Egypt needed extra time to overcome Benin and narrowly beat Côte d’Ivoire 3-2 in the quarters, despite leading 3-1 at one stage. There are clear vulnerabilities in Egypt’s setup that Senegal could exploit.
Team News
Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has a full-strength squad at his disposal. Captain Sadio Mane will lead from the front, already registering three assists—the second-most in the tournament so far.
Iliman Ndiaye scored the decisive goal in the last match, while Nicolas Jackson could return to the starting XI after limited game time in recent fixtures. Pape Gueye has been vital in midfield, providing stability and drive for the Lions.
Egypt will rely heavily on Mohamed Salah, who faces his former Liverpool teammate Mane. Salah has four goals in five matches and is chasing the Golden Boot while eyeing Egypt’s joint all-time AFCON scoring record.
Defender Mohamed Hamdi is out with a knee injury, and Ahmed Fatouh is set to fill in, despite an own goal in the quarter-final. Omar Marmoush, fresh off his second goal of the tournament, will lead the line for Egypt.
Possible lineups
Senegal possible starting XI: Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; Diarra, I. Gueye, P. Gueye; Ndiaye, Jackson, Mane
Egypt possible starting XI: El Shenawy; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Fatouh; Attia, Fathi, Adel; Salah, Marmoush, Trezeguet
Prediction
Senegal are running like a well-oiled machine, while Egypt have struggled to hit their fluent best. The Lions of Teranga have had the edge over the Pharaohs in recent meetings, and although this clash will be tight, Senegal look likely to edge Egypt and secure a place in the AFCON 2025 final.
Where to watch
The semi-final will kick off at 12pm ET on Wednesday, January 14, with the action set to unfold at the Tangier Grand Stadium in Tangier, Morocco, and viewers in the United States will be able to follow the match live on beIN Sports USA.
