AFCON 2025 SEMI-FINALS SET AS Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal and Egypt Prepare for Big Knockout Showdowns

 The Africa Cup of Nations has reached its penultimate stage, and excitement across the continent is at fever pitch as the AFCON 2025 semi-finals take centre stage following dramatic quarter-final matches that confirmed the four teams still standing. Host nation Morocco and Nigeria will meet in one semi-final tie, while Senegal and Egypt renew their rivalry in Wednesday’s other last-four clash. 

Morocco booked their place in the semi-finals with an authoritative 2–0 win over Cameroon, maintaining their impressive defensive record and continuing their march toward a potential historic home-soil title. Real Madrid forward Brahim Díaz was again key, extending his remarkable scoring streak with his fifth goal of the tournament, which makes him the tournament's topscorer before a second score ensured the Atlas Lions’ progress. 

Nigeria’s Super Eagles also secured their last-four spot with a convincing 2–0 victory against Algeria in Marrakech, showcasing attacking firepower and tactical discipline. Victor Osimhen’s header shortly after halftime set the tone, and Akor Adams added the second to seal the win and set up a tantalising semi-final against the hosts. 

In the other half of the draw, Senegal continued their impressive campaign with a hard-fought 1–0 quarter-final win over Mali, with Iliman Ndiaye’s first-half goal proving decisive in Tangier. The Teranga Lions will now face seven-time champions Egypt, who edged Côte d’Ivoire 3–2 in a thrilling quarter-final encounter. Egypt’s attacking threat, spearheaded by Mohamed Salah alongside supporting goals from Omar Marmoush and Rami Rabia, brought them through and set up the blockbuster semi-final against Senegal. 

Wednesday’s semi-finals promise high drama and contrasting styles. In Rabat, the clash between Morocco and Nigeria pits a disciplined and defensively sound host's side against an in-form Nigerian outfit that has not lost and has scored freely throughout the tournament. Both teams enter the match unbeaten, with Nigeria chasing their fourth AFCON title and Morocco aiming for a historic first since 1976. 

At the Grande Stade de Tangier, Senegal and Egypt renew one of Africa’s most compelling football rivalries. The history between these two sides includes memorable encounters, notable mention is the 2021 AFCON final, and this semi-final could mark another classic; Senegal boasts a resilient defence and unbeaten run, while Egypt, with a record number of AFCON titles, will rely on Salah’s goal-scoring pedigree and tactical discipline to edge past the Teranga Lions. 

With just one step remaining before the final showdown, fans can expect intensity, tactical nuance, and moments of individual brilliance as Africa’s top national teams vie for a coveted place in the AFCON 2025 final. The winners on Wednesday will battle it out on January 18 for continental glory, bringing months of anticipation and electrifying football to a climax in Morocco.