AFCON Semi-Final Clashes in Review

AFCON Semi-Final Clashes in Review

Tonight brings the penultimate matchday of AFCON 2026 in Morocco, and the stakes could hardly be higher. Two colossal semi-finals stand between these nations and continental glory.

Semi-final tactical warfare loading. 🇸🇳🇪🇬🇳🇬🇲🇦#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/bF0cB7lyjZ

— Total Energies Afcon2025 Updates (@TotalAFCON2025) January 13, 2026

Senegal go head-to-head with Egypt in a clash rich with narrative, as Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah share the same pitch once more, perhaps for the final time on the AFCON stage. Then, under the lights, Nigeria face the hosts in a showdown guaranteed to ignite the tournament.

So grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s dive deep into two mouth-watering fixtures that promise drama, quality, and history in the making.

Senegal vs Egypt

The Lions of Teranga face Egypt at Grand Stade de Tanger this evening, and the fixture promises to be one to remember!

One night, four giants, zero margins.

Between Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal and Egypt, there are 16 AFCON titles on the pitch - pure continental royalty.

Who are you backing to make it to the final? 👀🇳🇬🇸🇳🇪🇬🇲🇦#AFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/K0t3JgD7YS

— Nounouche (@NounoucheZA) January 14, 2026

Senegal edged their way into the semi-finals with a hard-fought 1–0 win over Mali, settled by a decisive strike from Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye. It was a performance built on defensive solidity and discipline, something that has characterised Senegal's tournament thus far.

Pape Gueye hits a brace as Senegal come back to eliminate Sudan from AFCON 2025 🇸🇳💪🏆 pic.twitter.com/ri1rPuAjAP

— OneFootball (@OneFootball) January 3, 2026

Senegal remain unbeaten at AFCON 2026, with goals shared across the squad, yet the heartbeat of this side is unmistakably Sadio Mané. The Senegalese icon has already contributed four goals and assists, once again proving to be the difference-maker for the nation. With no injuries or suspensions to contend with, Senegal arrive at this heavyweight clash at full strength.

Egypt arrive at this semi-final with a clear sense of purpose and revenge firmly on their minds. The Pharaohs announced their intent in the quarter-finals, knocking out reigning champions Ivory Coast in a thrilling 3–2 victory, sealed by the decisive strike from none other than Mohamed Salah.

Tactically, Egypt are one of the tournament’s most exciting sides to watch. Lining up in a dynamic 3-4-1-2, they thrive on rapid counter-attacks. While Salah remains the focal point, this is far from a one-man show. Man City’s Omar Marmoush offers blistering pace alongside him, while Emam Ashour pulls the strings from midfield, registering two assists against Ivory Coast. The Pharaohs will be without left-back Mohamed Hamdy tonight, but aside from that minor setback, they head into this heavyweight clash at full strength.

Last time Salah and Mané faced each other in the AFCON, Sadio Mané won the 2022 AFCON final. 🌍🏆

Now it’s time for the duo to meet again, as Egypt and Senegal face off in the AFCON semi-final tomorrow. 🇪🇬🇸🇳 pic.twitter.com/29nIgJ26LD

— Mr Kay's Travel Club TV (@mrkstravelclub) January 14, 2026

The last time these two giants collided in competitive action was the 2022 AFCON final, which was an encounter that saw Senegal lift the trophy after winning on penalties. Steeped in African footballing history, this renewed rivalry feels destined to deliver once again, with fine margins, fierce intensity, and fireworks firmly on the horizon.

Nigeria vs Morocco

Nigeria take on Morocco at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah tonight.

Did you know?

Morocco 🇲🇦 won AFCON in 1976 and remains the only African team to win the tournament without losing a single match or conceding a goal in the final stage.

Nigeria 🇳🇬 have won AFCON 3 times and is one of the most consistent teams in the tournament reaching the… pic.twitter.com/5ApxQla10t

— Philfidence (@PIfeanyii) January 14, 2026

The Super Eagles have been nothing short of relentless at AFCON 2026, steamrolling their way through the tournament and outscoring every other nation along the way. Fuelled by the frustration of missing out on World Cup qualification, the Super Eagles arrived with a point to prove, and have played like a side driven by vengeance.

For the first time in AFCON history, Nigeria has won FIVE consecutive matches in same tournament.

This TEAM! 💚🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/dBzpsRmO6a

— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) January 10, 2026

It has been a long wait since Nigeria last lifted the trophy in 2013, and after the heartbreak of narrowly losing the 2023 final, belief is building that this could finally be their year. On paper, they boast arguably the strongest squad in the competition.

Victor Osimhen has been devastating defences across the continent, racking up four goals and two assists, while Ademola Lookman has already registered six goal involvements. Add the creative spark of Alex Iwobi in midfield to the commanding presence of captain Wilfred Ndidi, and Nigeria look dangerous in every department. Expect them to arrive blazing.

Good luck getting past the Atlas Lions 😅🇲🇦

Morocco have conceded just ONE goal at AFCON 2025… and it came from the spot 🤩🍿 pic.twitter.com/BYwV7eCQGp

— OneFootball (@OneFootball) January 10, 2026

Morocco have played smart and steady football all tournament. Despite their goalscoring numbers not being outstanding, their defence resembles astute discipline, only conceding once across all their games. Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz has been the star man of their displays throughout, scoring 5 goals thus far. Furthermore, central midfielder Azzedine Ounahi has rediscovered his spark that got the world off their feet in Qatar in 2022, notching 2 assists and putting in fantastic displays.

Morocco have only won the AFCON once in their history, and with the nation on their shoulders this time round, now is a better time than ever to go all the way. Whether they can prevent the onslaught of Nigeria remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure, they will not go down without a fight.

The Outcome?

Which two teams prevail?

Salah has a point to prove to the Kop, yet Mané has one more trophy in his sights. Osimhen's Nigeria are on fire, but Morocco's defensive displays are reminiscent of the great Berlin Wall.

Whatever happens, it promises to be a fantastic display.