Senegal vs Egypt: AFCON 2025 semi-final showdown tonight
Senegal takes on Egypt in the AFCON 2025 semi-finals today at 6 p.m. Nigerian time at the Grande Stade de Tangier. This marks their sixth AFCON meeting and second semi-final clash. Senegal, 2021 champions, are chasing a fourth final appearance, while seven-time winners Egypt aim for a record 10th final. The two nations have two wins each in previous meetings, with their 2021 final ending 0-0 before Senegal won 4-2 on penalties. The winner of their knockout matches has historically gone on to lift the trophy (2006 and 2021).
Senegal enters unbeaten in their last 16 AFCON matches, scoring in all nine of their tournament games with 11 goals total. Coach Pape Thiaw said: "We respect Egypt's pedigree, but our ambition is clear. We want to reach another final and we believe our style of football can take us there." Egypt remain unbeaten in 15 AFCON matches in open play and have progressed from their last seven semi-finals. Coach Hossam Hassan noted: "These matches are always decided by small details. Senegal are strong, but Egypt know how to manage pressure situations."
Mohamed Salah has scored four goals at this tournament (11 overall for Egypt at AFCON) but has never scored against Senegal in five meetings. Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly said: "Our focus is only on qualifying for the final. We are not making calculations." The match also pits former Liverpool teammates Salah against Sadio Mané, who leads the tournament with 14 chances created (Salah has 12). Senegal boasts 2,550 completed passes at 87% accuracy with 43 shots on target, while Egypt has 27 shots on target and nine goals but conceded four—the joint-highest among semi-finalists.
With national pride and a place in the final at stake, which team will advance: Senegal's consistent form or Egypt's knockout-stage experience?