All-Champions Line-Up for AFCON Semi-Finals

Pedigree has prevailed as the 35th Africa Cup of Nations gets to a crescendo. A power-packed assembly of four is what remains as the competition, devoid of upsets, is set for the semi-finals this Wednesday.

Hosts Morocco prepare to face Nigeria, while Senegal will take on Egypt in an all-heavyweights last-four line-up.

Africa’s traditional powerhouses are left standing after a dramatic quarter-final weekend that delivered goals, tension and fine margins, with the four remaining nations boasting a combined 12 AFCON titles between them.

Hosts Morocco national football team will lock horns with a star-studded Nigeria national football team, while Senegal national football team faces record champions Egypt national football team in what promises to be two compelling semi-final contests.

Egypt claimed the final spot in the last four on Saturday night after edging defending champions Côte d’Ivoire 3–2 in a thrilling encounter that ended the Elephants’ reign and set up a mouthwatering clash with Senegal. The seven-time champions showed resilience and composure to prevail in one of the standout matches of the tournament so far.

Senegal had earlier booked their semi-final ticket with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Mali, Iliman Ndiaye’s first-half strike proving decisive in a tense West African derby. The Teranga Lions expertly managed the contest thereafter, controlling possession and protecting their slender advantage to reach yet another AFCON semi-final.

Hosts Morocco also remain firmly on course for a first continental crown in 50 years after a composed 2–0 win over Cameroon in Rabat. Goals from Brahim Díaz and Ismaël Saibari underlined the Atlas Lions’ attacking quality and defensive balance as they continued an impressive home campaign.

Completing the quartet are Nigeria, who delivered a commanding display to dispatch Algeria 2–0 in Marrakech. Victor Osimhen broke the deadlock after a tightly contested opening spell before Akor Adams sealed the win, confirming the Super Eagles’ return to the last four and setting up a blockbuster showdown with the hosts.

The quarter-final results underlined how pedigree and composure have begun to shape the tournament after an unpredictable group phase and fiercely contested Round of 16.

The semi-finals will be played on Wednesday, 14 January, with Senegal facing Egypt and Morocco taking on Nigeria, as the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 moves closer to its climax ahead of the final in Rabat on 18 January.