The first semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations brings back familiar memories, as hosts Senegal face seven-time champions Egypt in a repeat of the dramatic 2021 final.
Senegal edged past Egypt on penalties to lift the trophy three years ago, and they arrive at this stage once again showing the resilience that has become their trademark. After a disappointing title defence in 2023 that ended in the Round of 16, the Teranga Lions are now into their third semi-final in the last four AFCON editions.
Their quarter-final victory over Mali was narrow — a 1–0 win aided by Mali being reduced to ten men after Senegal took the lead — but it underlined their ability to grind out results. Senegal have now lost just once in their last 11 matches against African opposition, winning ten and drawing one. Head coach Pape Thiaw, however, has challenged his side to be more clinical, despite already scoring three goals in three separate matches at this tournament.
Egypt, meanwhile, continue to live up to their reputation as perennial contenders. The Pharaohs have reached the semi-finals for the third time in the last five AFCON tournaments and are targeting a first continental title since 2010, having fallen at the final hurdle in both 2017 and 2021.
Their dramatic 3–2 quarter-final win over Ivory Coast exposed lingering defensive concerns, with head coach Hossam Hassan admitting improvements are needed at the back. Egypt have kept just two clean sheets in their last 11 matches, a record that suggests tightening up defensively will be key if they are to go one step further this time.
Head-to-Head Record
Senegal have enjoyed the upper hand in recent meetings, winning four of the five encounters since 2014. That run includes penalty shootout victories in both the 2021 AFCON final and the decisive stage of 2022 World Cup qualification. Historically, this fixture has been tight — 12 of the 15 all-time meetings have produced less than two goals.
Players to Watch & Absentees
Sadio Mané has once again been influential for Senegal, registering one goal and three assists at this tournament, and will be keen to emulate his decisive role in the 2021 semi-final. For Egypt, Mohamed Salah is enjoying his most productive AFCON campaign to date with four goals and now sits just two shy of equalling the national scoring record held by head coach Hossam Hassan.
Senegal report no major injury concerns ahead of the clash, while Egypt will be without defender Mohamed Hamdy, who is sidelined with a knee injury.
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