By Peter Omopo
The semi-final fixtures for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco have been confirmed following the conclusion of the quarter-final matches played on Saturday.
Host nation Morocco, alongside Nigeria, Egypt and Senegal, booked their places in the last four after a series of closely contested encounters that underscored the quality and intensity of the tournament.
Morocco will face Nigeria in one semi-final, while Senegal are set to battle Egypt in the other, with both matches scheduled for Wednesday.
Seven-time champions Egypt secured their semi-final berth after edging defending champions Côte d’Ivoire 3–2 in a thrilling quarter-final clash. The victory brought an end to the Elephants’ title defence and set up a high-profile semi-final showdown with Senegal. The encounter will once again pit former Liverpool teammates Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah against each other, renewing a rivalry last seen in the 2021 AFCON final.
Senegal earlier advanced to the semi-finals with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Mali in an intense West African derby. Iliman Ndiaye’s first-half goal proved decisive as the Teranga Lions showed tactical discipline to hold on to their narrow lead.
Morocco continued their pursuit of a first continental title since 1976 with a commanding 2–0 win over Cameroon in Rabat. Goals from Brahim Díaz and Ismaël Saibari highlighted the Atlas Lions’ attacking strength and defensive solidity.
Nigeria also maintained their impressive run with a 2–0 victory over Algeria in Marrakech. Victor Osimhen opened the scoring, while Akor Adams sealed the win late on to set up a mouth-watering semi-final clash with the hosts.
The quarter-final stage was marked by fine margins, with experience, composure and tactical efficiency proving decisive across the fixtures.
The semi-final matches will be played on Wednesday, January 14, while the final is scheduled for January 18 in Rabat.
Confirmed Semi-Final Fixtures:
- Senegal vs Egypt
Wednesday, January 14
Venue: Grand Stade de Tanger, Tangier
Kick-off: 6:00 pm WAT - Nigeria vs Morocco
Wednesday, January 14
Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
Kick-off: 9:00 pm WAT
