By Boris Esono Nwenfor
The semi-final line-up for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 has been confirmed, with Africa’s traditional football powerhouses emerging after a dramatic quarter-final weekend marked by goals, tension and high-stakes drama.
Seven-time champions Egypt, three-time winners Nigeria, reigning African giants Senegal and hosts Morocco are the four teams left standing following the conclusion of the quarter-final matches on Saturday night. The pairings promise blockbuster encounters, with Senegal set to face Egypt, while hosts Morocco will take on Nigeria. Both semi-final matches will be played on Wednesday, January 14.
Egypt claimed the final semi-final spot thrillingly, edging out defending champions Côte d’Ivoire 3-2 in a pulsating contest that brought the curtain down on the Elephants’ title defence. The encounter, played under intense atmosphere, lived up to its billing as one of the tournament’s classic ties, with the Pharaohs drawing on their vast AFCON pedigree to prevail and book a mouthwatering clash with Senegal.
Earlier, Senegal had become the first team to reach the semi-finals following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mali in an all-West African quarter-final. Iliman Ndiaye’s first-half strike proved decisive in a tense and physical contest. The Teranga Lions showed composure and maturity, managing the game expertly to protect their slender lead and advance to yet another AFCON semi-final, reinforcing their status as one of the continent’s most consistent sides in recent years.
Hosts Morocco also remains firmly on course to lift their first AFCON title in 50 years after a controlled 2-0 victory over Cameroon in Rabat. Backed by a passionate home crowd, the Atlas Lions delivered a polished performance, with goals from Brahim Diaz and Ismaël Saibari sealing the win. The result underlined Morocco’s balance between attacking flair and defensive solidity as they continue an impressive home campaign.
Completing the semi-final quartet is Nigeria, who produced a disciplined display to defeat Algeria 2-0 in Marrakech. After a tightly contested opening period, Victor Osimhen broke the deadlock, injecting momentum into the Super Eagles’ performance. Akor Adams added a late second goal to put the result beyond doubt, confirming Nigeria’s return to the AFCON last four and setting up a high-profile semi-final clash with the hosts.
The quarter-final outcomes highlighted the fine margins that define this stage of the competition, where experience, composure and tactical discipline often make the difference. After an unpredictable group phase and a fiercely contested Round of 16, the quarter-finals marked the point where pedigree began to assert itself, with seasoned tournament contenders rising to the occasion.
With the semi-finals now set, attention turns to Wednesday’s decisive clashes as AFCON 2025 edges closer to its climax. Senegal’s meeting with Egypt promises a classic duel between two of Africa’s most successful sides, while Morocco’s showdown with Nigeria is expected to electrify Rabat.
The winners will advance to the final, scheduled for January 18 in Rabat, as Africa’s biggest football stage moves toward crowning its next continental champion.
