The stage is set for a monumental clash of African football titans at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The semi-final pairings were finalized on Saturday night, promising two epic encounters that pit the powerhouses of North Africa against the giants of West Africa.
Hosts Morocco and Super Eagles Set for Rabat Showdown
The host nation, Morocco, secured their place in the final four with a convincing 2-0 victory over Cameroon in Rabat. This result continued a dominant trend for North African sides in the quarter-finals. The Atlas Lions' goals came from Brahim Díaz and Ismaël Saibari, sealing their progression. They will now face the formidable challenge of Nigeria's Super Eagles at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Wednesday.
Nigeria booked their ticket with a solid 2-0 win against Algeria in Marrakech. Victor Osimhen broke the deadlock early in the second half, with Akor Adams adding a second to confirm the victory. This crucial win marks Nigeria's impressive 16th appearance in the AFCON semi-finals, setting up a high-stakes battle with the tournament hosts.
Pharaohs Edge Defending Champions, Face Teranga Lions
In another quarter-final that saw North triumph over West, Egypt defeated the defending champions, Côte d’Ivoire, 3-2 in a nail-biting contest in Agadir. The seven-time champions, with Mohamed Salah on the scoresheet, ended Ivory Coast's title defense despite a late fightback from the Ivorians. Egypt's reward is a semi-final meeting with Senegal.
Senegal were the first team to qualify for the semi-finals, emerging victorious from an all-West African quarter-final clash. A first-half goal from Iliman Ndiaye was enough to secure a 1-0 win over Mali. The Teranga Lions will now prepare to face Egypt at the Grand Stade de Tanger on Wednesday.
Road to the Final in Rabat
The semi-final fixtures promise to deliver unforgettable football drama. The action kicks off on Wednesday with the host nation, Morocco, taking on Nigeria in Rabat. Simultaneously, in Tangier, the historic rivalry between Egypt and Senegal will be renewed. The winners of these matches will advance to the tournament's final, scheduled to be held in Rabat on 18 January 2026.
This semi-final lineup ensures that the 2025 AFCON will crown a champion from either the northern or western region of the continent, highlighting the intense footballing rivalry and quality present in both zones.
