AFCON 2025: Morocco, Nigeria, Egypt, Senegal advance to blockbuster semi-finals

The semi-final line-up for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 has been confirmed following an action-packed and dramatic quarter-final round.

Egypt, Nigeria, and hosts Morocco, as well as Senegal, emerged as the final four teams after a series of intense quarter-final encounters concluded on Saturday night.

In the semi-final fixtures scheduled for Wednesday, hosts Morocco will take on Nigeria at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, while Senegal will face Egypt at the Grand Stade de Tanger in Tangier.

Seven-time champions Egypt secured the final semi-final spot after edging defending champions Côte d’Ivoire 3–2 in a thrilling contest.

Advertisement

The hard-fought victory brought an end to the Elephants’ title defence and set up a highly anticipated clash with Senegal.

Earlier, Senegal booked their place in the semi-finals with a narrow 1–0 victory over Mali in a fiercely contested West African derby.

Iliman Ndiaye’s first-half goal proved decisive as the Teranga Lions showed discipline and composure to hold on for the win.

Hosts Morocco continued their quest for continental glory with a confident 2–0 victory over Cameroon in Rabat.

Goals from Brahim Diaz and Ismaël Saibari highlighted the Atlas Lions’ attacking strength and defensive solidity.

Nigeria completed the semi-final quartet after recording a 2–0 win over Algeria in Marrakech.

Victor Osimhen opened the scoring before Akor Adams sealed the victory late on, setting up a mouthwatering semi-final showdown with Morocco.

Overall, the quarter-final matches underscored the fine margins at this stage of the competition, with experience, composure and pedigree proving crucial.

The semi-final matches will be played on Wednesday, while the final is scheduled for January 18 in Rabat. (NAN)