The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 has reached its penultimate stage with the semifinals scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, in Morocco. Four of the continent’s strongest teams — Senegal, Egypt, Nigeria, and hosts Morocco — advanced through a dramatic quarter-final round that featured narrow victories, high stakes and standout individual performances.
Quarter-Final Climaxes and Road to the Final Four
Senegal earned the first semifinal spot on January 9, 2026, with a 1–0 win over Mali in Tangier. The decisive moment came in the 27th minute when Iliman Ndiaye capitalized on a defensive error to slot home the only goal. Senegal’s coach, Pape Thiaw, expressed satisfaction afterward, saying his team “controlled the key moments and showed great resolve,” while Mali’s captain lamented the red card that left his side with ten men.
Egypt booked their place in the last four on January 10, 2026, in a thrilling 3–2 victory against defending champions Côte d’Ivoire. Mohamed Salah, continuing his prolific tournament form, scored for Egypt and helped maintain his reputation as one of Africa’s most influential forwards. After the match, fans and commentators noted that Egypt’s win “extends their impressive unbeaten run” in the competition.
Hosts Morocco confirmed their semifinal berth on January 9, 2026, with a convincing 2–0 defeat of Cameroon, highlighted by a goal from Brahim Díaz — his fifth goal of the tournament — and a second from Ismael Saibari. Morocco’s coach Walid Regragui praised his squad’s efficiency, noting that Díaz “continues to inspire and lift this team” as they aim for a first AFCON title in 50 years.
Nigeria completed the semifinal lineup with a 2–0 win over Algeria in Marrakech on January 10, 2026. Victor Osimhen opened the scoring before Akor Adams sealed the result, with Nigerian coach expressing pride in his team’s tactical discipline and attacking execution.
Semifinal Matchups and Stakes
CAF officials confirmed that both semifinals will be played on Wednesday, January 14, 2026: Senegal vs. Egypt at the Grand Stade de Tanger in Tangier (kick-off evening local time), and Morocco vs. Nigeria at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. The winners will meet in the final on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Senegal and Egypt clash in what has been dubbed a “battle of contrasting styles,” with Senegal’s defensive solidity meeting Egypt’s forward depth. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s efficient attack will test Morocco’s home advantage in a fixture analysts call “a potential tournament decider before the final.”
As the continent’s premier national teams prepare for the semifinals, AFCON 2025 continues to deliver high drama, tactical intrigue and a compelling narrative toward crowning Africa’s new champions.
