The stage is set for blockbuster semi-finals at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, with four of Africa’s biggest footballing nations—Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal and Egypt—booking their places in the last four after a dramatic quarter-final round.
Hosts Morocco will take on a star-studded Nigeria side, while reigning contenders Senegal are set for a heavyweight showdown against seven-time champions Egypt. Both semi-final matches will be played on Wednesday, 14 January, as the tournament edges closer to its grand finale in Rabat.
Egypt claimed the final semi-final berth in thrilling fashion on Saturday night, ending defending champions Côte d’Ivoire’s title defence with a pulsating 3-2 victory. The win not only halted the Elephants’ reign but also set up a mouthwatering clash against Senegal.
Earlier, Senegal had secured their passage with a gritty 1-0 win over Mali, courtesy of a first-half strike from Iliman Ndiaye. The Teranga Lions showcased their trademark discipline and composure, expertly managing the game to return to yet another AFCON semi-final.
Tournament hosts Morocco continued their impressive home run with a composed 2-0 victory over Cameroon in Rabat. Goals from Brahim Diaz and Ismaël Saibari underlined the Atlas Lions’ attacking flair and defensive solidity as they chase a first continental title in five decades.
Completing the semi-final line-up are Nigeria, who produced a clinical performance to defeat Algeria 2-0 in Marrakech. Victor Osimhen opened the scoring after a tense opening period before Akor Adams sealed the result late on, setting up a high-voltage encounter with the hosts.
With the competition narrowing to proven heavyweights, the quarter-finals marked a turning point where experience, composure and fine margins proved decisive. After an unpredictable group stage and a fiercely contested Round of 16, AFCON 2025 now heads into its most decisive phase.
The winners of Wednesday’s semi-finals will advance to the final in Rabat on 18 January, with continental glory firmly within reach.
Source: AFCON
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