Record seven-time champions Egypt will lock horns with Senegal on Wednesday evening in Tangier, with a coveted place in the final of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 at stake.
It is a semi-final laden with history, emotion and elite pedigree, as two of Africa’s footballing giants renew a rivalry that has consistently delivered high drama and fine margins.
Across 15 previous meetings, Egypt hold a slender advantage with seven victories to Senegal’s five, alongside three draws. At AFCON level, the balance is even tighter: five encounters, two wins each and one draw—statistics that underline just how evenly matched this contest has been over the years.
Their most recent AFCON clash came in the 2021 final in Yaoundé, a night etched deeply into the memories of both nations. Senegal emerged victorious after a goalless 120 minutes, winning on penalties to secure their first-ever continental crown, while Egypt were left agonisingly short in their pursuit of an eighth title—their first since 2010.
Five years on, the two sides meet again on the penultimate stage. Senegal arrive eager to reaffirm their growing dominance, while Egypt are driven by redemption and the desire to finally add that elusive eighth star.
Since their last triumph in 2010, Egypt have suffered heartbreak in two AFCON finals, in 2017 and 2021. In Morocco, however, the Pharaohs have quietly rebuilt momentum, growing in confidence with each passing round.
Their tournament campaign gathered real momentum with a dramatic 3–2 quarter-final victory over defending champions Côte d’Ivoire, a result that announced Egypt as serious contenders once again. They topped their group with two wins and a draw, eased past Benin 3–1 in the Round of 16, and followed up with another three-goal display in the quarter-finals.
At the centre of their charge is Mohamed Salah. Still seeking his first AFCON title, the Egyptian captain has been influential, contributing four goals and one assist so far. His leadership, experience and attacking threat will be pivotal against a familiar opponent.
For Senegal, the semi-final comes with a measure of comfort. Unlike Egypt, who travel from Agadir, the Lions of Teranga have played all their matches in Tangier, offering familiarity with the stadium and conditions.
Senegal also topped their group before defeating Sudan 3–1 in the Round of 16. In the quarter-finals, they showed composure and resilience to edge past a stubborn, 10-man Mali side 1–0.
Rather than relying on one standout star, Senegal’s strength has been collective. Iliman Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson and captain Sadio Mané have combined effectively, with Mané’s influence extending beyond goals. Although he has scored just once, the former Liverpool forward has created 14 chances—joint-most at the tournament alongside Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman while Salah follows closely with 12.
Once again, the spotlight will fall on Salah and Mané—former Liverpool teammates whose individual brilliance has defined African football over the last decade. Senegal’s attacking intent will be tested against an Egyptian defence renowned for discipline and resilience, setting the stage for a tactical duel where small details could decide the outcome.
With history, pride and a place in the final on the line, this semi-final promises to be a gripping encounter under the Tangier lights—one where every moment could prove decisive.
Hossam Hassan (Egypt head coach): “Senegal is not a bogey team for the Egyptian national team. We are seven-time African champions, and there is no such thing as a bogey team in football. We respect our opponents, but we are well prepared mentally and tactically. We know their strengths, and we know ours.”
Pape Thiaw (Senegal head coach): “We are preparing with maximum seriousness and focus. Egypt are a very strong and experienced side, but we approach this match with ambition and belief. We will stay true to our playing philosophy because we believe it can make the difference.”
Mohamed Salah has faced Senegal five times without scoring, recording one win, one draw and three defeats. Sadio Mané has also faced Egypt five times, scoring once, with three wins, one draw and one loss.
Salah and Mané played together at Liverpool between 2017 and 2022, featuring in 223 matches. Mané assisted Salah 18 times, while Salah returned the favour with 17 assists—an enduring partnership now renewed as rivalry on Africa’s biggest stage.
