Four of Africa’s football heavyweights — Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal and Egypt — will contest the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 on Wednesday, following a dramatic quarter-final weekend.
The last-eight stage produced goals, tension and heartbreak, with Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Algeria and Mali all falling short in tightly fought encounters.
The first semi-final will see Senegal face Egypt at 17:00 GMT, a repeat of several recent high-stakes meetings between the two sides. The second match, scheduled for 20:00 GMT, will pitch hosts Morocco against Nigeria.
Egypt, seven-time champions, secured the final semi-final place after edging defending champions Côte d’Ivoire 3–2 on Saturday night. The victory ended the Elephants’ title defence and once again underlined Egypt’s reputation as tournament specialists, capable of managing pressure in knock-out football.
Senegal booked their place with a disciplined 1–0 win over Mali, with Iliman Ndiaye’s first-half goal proving decisive. The Teranga Lions controlled long spells of the match, showing tactical maturity and defensive organisation — qualities that have made them consistent contenders in recent AFCON tournaments.
The Senegal–Egypt clash is expected to be a battle between Senegal’s physical, structured approach and Egypt’s experience, game management and individual quality. Both sides have built reputations for winning tight matches, suggesting another close encounter.
Hosts Morocco continued their strong home campaign with a composed 2–0 victory over Cameroon in Rabat. Goals from Brahim Díaz and Ismaël Saibari reflected the Atlas Lions’ balance between creativity in attack and solidity in defence.
Morocco are chasing their first continental title in 50 years, and home support has added belief to a side already regarded as one of Africa’s most technically gifted teams. Their ability to control possession and transition quickly makes them dangerous against any opponent.
Nigeria, meanwhile, arrive in the semi-finals determined to redeem themselves after failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Super Eagles beat Algeria 2–0 in Marrakech, combining pace on the flanks with defensive discipline.
The meeting between Morocco and Nigeria promises a contrast of styles: Morocco’s patient build-up against Nigeria’s direct, fast-paced attacking play. For Nigeria, lifting the AFCON trophy would go a long way toward repairing the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup.
With four former champions in the last four, this year’s tournament has reached a stage where margins will be small and pressure immense. For fans across Africa and beyond, the semi-finals offer not just spectacle, but a test of mentality, tactics and experience at the highest level of African football.
The post AFCON semi-finals: Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Egypt set for blockbuster clashes tomorrow appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.
Read Full Story
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
Google+
YouTube
LinkedIn
RSS