January 11, 2026 – As the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 enters its penultimate stage in Morocco, the AFCON 2025 semi-final lineup has been confirmed following a thrilling quarter-final weekend.
Hosts Morocco will face Nigeria in a blockbuster encounter, while Senegal takes on Egypt in a tactical showdown. With the final set for January 18 in Rabat, these four African powerhouses are the only ones remaining from the 24-team field, each bringing a mix of star power, experience, and momentum.
The Path to the AFCON 2025 semi-final
The quarter-finals delivered drama and dominance in equal measure. Senegal became the first team to book their spot, edging past Mali 1-0 thanks to a first-half strike from Iliman Ndiaye.
The Teranga Lions, who lifted the trophy in 2021, have been defensively resolute, conceding just once in the tournament so far.
Hosts Morocco followed suit with a convincing 2-0 victory over Cameroon, goals from Brahim Díaz and Zakaria Saibari underscoring their attacking flair and home advantage.
As the highest-ranked African team in FIFA standings, the Atlas Lions have lived up to expectations, blending youth and experience under coach Walid Regragui.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles powered through with a 2-0 win over Algeria, Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams finding the net in the second half.
Despite pre-tournament concerns over preparations, Nigeria’s squad depth – featuring talents like Osimhen and Ademola Lookman – has shone through, marking their 17th semi-final appearance in the last 20 editions they’ve qualified for.
Egypt completed the quartet in a five-goal thriller, defeating defending champions Côte d’Ivoire 3-2. Omar Marmoush, Rami Rabia, and Mohamed Salah scored for the Pharaohs, who overcame a resilient Ivorian comeback to advance.
As seven-time AFCON winners, Egypt’s pedigree is unmatched, with Salah’s leadership proving pivotal.
Teams qualified for the AFCON 2025 semi-finals
- Senegal
- Morocco
- Nigeria
- Egypt
Match Schedule
Both semi-finals are slated for Wednesday, January 14, 2026:
- Senegal vs Egypt at Stade Ibn Battouta, Tangier – Kick-off: 18:00 local time (17:00 UTC)
- Nigeria vs Morocco at Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca – Kick-off: 21:00 local time (20:00 UTC)
The winners will meet in the final, while the losers contest the third-place playoff on January 17.
Who Is the Strongest Team?
Among this formidable quartet, Morocco stands out as the strongest contender on paper. As hosts, they’ve benefited from massive crowd support and have shown exceptional balance: a rock-solid defense (conceding only two goals), creative midfield play from players like Sofyan Amrabat, and clinical finishing led by Youssef En-Nesyri and Díaz.
Their recent history – including a historic semi-final run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup – adds to their aura of invincibility. FIFA rankings place them as Africa’s top team, and their unbeaten home record in major tournaments makes them favorites against Nigeria.
That said, Nigeria’s attacking prowess could pose a real threat, with Osimhen’s goal-scoring form (he netted in the quarter-final) capable of unlocking any defense.
Senegal’s experience as recent champions and Egypt’s Salah-inspired resilience make them dark horses, but Morocco’s overall squad depth and home advantage give them the edge in what could be their first AFCON title since 1976.
As the tournament builds to a climax, fans across the continent are in for treats – these semi-finals could define African football for years to come.
