The first semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations promises fireworks as Senegal host seven-time champions Egypt in a rematch of the 2021 AFCON final in Tangier.
Match News and Current Form
Senegal lifted the trophy in that 2021 final via a penalty shootout and have shown far more consistency this tournament compared to their disappointing Round of 16 exit in 2023. This marks their third semi-final appearance in the last four editions.
In the quarter-finals, Senegal edged past Mali 1-0, capitalizing on their opponent going down to ten men. But the Lions of Teranga’s recent form shows their ability to win in all situations—they have triumphed in ten of their last 11 matches against African opposition (D1). Head coach Pape Thiaw has called for greater efficiency in the final third, with Senegal having already scored three goals in three separate matches this tournament.
Egypt, meanwhile, have reached the semi-finals for the third time in five AFCON editions. The Pharaohs hope to improve on their second-place finishes in 2017 and 2021 and win their first title since 2010. Coach Hossam Hassan is focused on tightening the defence after Egypt conceded two goals in a 3-2 quarter-final win over Côte d’Ivoire. Yet, with only two clean sheets in their last 11 games (W6, D3, L2), achieving defensive perfection will be a challenge.
Head-to-Head History
Senegal have dominated recent meetings with Egypt, winning four of the last five H2Hs since 2014, including the 2021 AFCON final on penalties and the 2022 World Cup qualifying final stage. Interestingly, 12 of their 15 all-time clashes featured under 1.5 goals, and only once did both teams score in the same game.
Hot Stats and Streaks
- Senegal: Six of their last seven wins were by a margin of two or more goals. They led at half-time in seven of their last eight victories.
- Egypt: Seven of their last ten games saw both teams score. Five of their last seven losses produced over 2.5 goals.
Key Players and Missing Men
Senegal captain Sadio Mané has contributed a goal and three assists this tournament and will aim to replicate his impact in Senegal’s 2021 semi-final victory. Egypt’s star Mohamed Salah, with four goals so far, is just two strikes away from equalling the national AFCON goalscoring record of his coach, Hassan.
Senegal appear fully fit for the showdown, while Egypt will be without defender Mohamed Hamdy due to a knee injury.
This sets up a tense, tactical encounter between two of Africa’s finest sides, with Senegal looking to continue their recent dominance and Egypt aiming to reclaim continental glory after 15 years.
