Blockbuster AFCON Semi-Finals Confirmed as Morocco Face Nigeria, Senegal Meet Egypt
African football heavyweights dominate the quarter-finals to set up thrilling last-four clashes at AFCON 2025
- Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal and Egypt advance to the AFCON semi-finals.
- Hosts Morocco face Nigeria while Senegal take on seven-time champions Egypt.
- Semi-final matches will be played on Wednesday, 14 January, ahead of the final in Rabat.
The semi-final line-up for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 has been confirmed, with four of Africa’s most successful football nations advancing after a dramatic and action-packed quarter-final stage.
Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco and Senegal booked their places in the last four following the conclusion of the quarter-final matches on Saturday night, setting up two mouthwatering encounters between continental heavyweights.
Hosts Morocco will face a formidable Nigeria side, while Senegal are set to clash with Egypt in the other semi-final. Both matches will be played on Wednesday, 14 January.
Seven-time champions Egypt secured the final semi-final spot after edging defending champions Côte d’Ivoire 3–2 in a thrilling contest, bringing the Elephants’ title defence to an end and arranging a high-stakes showdown with Senegal.
Senegal were the first team to reach the semi-finals, earning a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Mali earlier in the tournament. A first-half strike from Iliman Ndiaye proved decisive in a tense West African derby, as the Teranga Lions demonstrated composure and tactical discipline to protect their narrow lead.
Morocco continued their impressive home campaign with a controlled 2–0 win over Cameroon in Rabat, keeping alive hopes of lifting their first AFCON title in five decades. Goals from Brahim Diaz and Ismaël Saibari highlighted the Atlas Lions’ attacking flair and defensive solidity.
Completing the semi-final quartet, Nigeria overcame Algeria 2–0 in Marrakech. Victor Osimhen opened the scoring after a closely fought start, before Akor Adams sealed the victory late on to set up a blockbuster meeting with the host nation.
The quarter-final results underscored the fine margins at this advanced stage of the competition, where experience, composure and pedigree have proven decisive.
Following an unpredictable group phase and a fiercely contested Round of 16, the tournament now moves into its decisive phase, with the semi-finals scheduled for Wednesday, 14 January, and the final set to take place in Rabat on 18 January.
