The TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 semifinals on January 14 pit Senegal against Egypt followed by hosts Morocco facing Nigeria.
Senegal beat Mali 1-0, Egypt rallied 3-2 over Côte d’Ivoire with Salah’s goal and assist, Nigeria stunned Algeria 2-0, and Morocco defeated Cameroon 2-0. Mané boasts 19 AFCON goal involvements over the last decade, Salah has 16, making their clash the highlight as national pride takes center stage ahead of the January 18 final in Rabat.
- Senegal vs. Egypt
- Venue: Stade Ibn Batouta (Tangier)
- Kick-off: Approximately 18:00 GMT (first semi-final)
This will be a massive reunion for former Liverpool teammates Sadio Mané (Senegal’s talisman and captain) and Mohamed Salah (Egypt’s captain and star forward).
It echoes their iconic 2021 AFCON final (where Senegal won on penalties after a 0-0 draw). Egypt advanced by defeating defending champions Ivory Coast 3-2 in a thriller, with Salah scoring the decisive goal. Senegal booked their spot with a solid 1-0 win over Mali (goal from Iliman Ndiaye, powered by Mané’s influence).
- Morocco vs. Nigeria
- Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium (Rabat)
- Kick-off: Approximately 21:00 GMT (second semi-final, often dubbed a “premature final” due to both teams’ form).
Hosts Morocco (the Atlas Lions, led by in-form Real Madrid star Brahim Díaz, tournament top scorer with 5 goals as at 11-01-2026) earned their place with a commanding 2-0 quarter-final win over Cameroon.
Nigeria (Super Eagles) maintained their perfect record, cruising past Algeria 2-0 thanks to Victor Osimhen’s goal and assist, plus Akor Adams sealing it—making them one of the most feared sides left.

Key Highlights
- Mané vs. Salah: Expect fireworks! These two Liverpool legends have history—Salah chasing his first AFCON title (Egypt are record 7-time winners), while Mané led Senegal to their 2021 triumph. It’s a clash of attacking brilliance, leadership, and unfinished business.
- Morocco vs. Nigeria: Home advantage for Morocco (huge crowds expected in Rabat) vs. Nigeria’s depth, flair, and unbeaten run. Many fans and analysts see this as the potential title decider, with stars like Díaz and Osimhen in top form.
The winners advance to the final on Sunday, January 18, 2026, in Rabat, with a third-place play-off on January 17. Excitement is sky-high across Africa and beyond—this is shaping up to be one of the most star-studded semi-finals in recent AFCON history!
Who do you think will make the final?