The race for continental supremacy at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 has reached its decisive phase, with four African heavyweights booking their places in the semi-finals after a gripping round of quarter-final matches.
Egypt, Nigeria, hosts Morocco and Senegal have emerged as the last four standing, setting up two blockbuster semi-final clashes that bring together some of the continent’s most successful and in-form national teams.
The semi-finals will see hosts Morocco face Nigeria in Rabat, while Senegal take on record winners Egypt in Tangier. Both matches are scheduled for Wednesday, with kick-off times staggered to give fans across Africa and beyond the chance to follow every minute of the action.
Egypt, seven-time champions and the most successful team in AFCON history, claimed the final semi-final berth with a dramatic 3–2 victory over defending champions Côte d’Ivoire. In a match that lived up to its billing, the Pharaohs showed resilience and big-game temperament to edge past the Elephants and end their title defence.
The result not only eliminated the holders but also revived Egypt’s own quest to reclaim a trophy they once dominated. Their reward is a high-stakes semi-final showdown with Senegal, a team they have faced in recent continental finals and qualifiers, adding another chapter to a growing modern rivalry.
Senegal, the reigning African champions before Côte d’Ivoire’s triumph at the previous edition, secured their place in the last four with a narrow but deserved 1–0 win over Mali. In a tense West African derby, Iliman Ndiaye’s first-half strike proved the difference as the Teranga Lions combined discipline at the back with efficiency in attack.
Senegal’s performance underlined their status as one of the most tactically mature sides on the continent. They managed the game intelligently once in front, limiting Mali’s opportunities and showing the composure expected of a team accustomed to the latter stages of major tournaments.
Hosts Morocco continued their impressive run with a controlled 2–0 victory over Cameroon in Rabat. Backed by a passionate home crowd, the Atlas Lions delivered a performance that balanced attacking flair with defensive solidity.
Brahim Díaz opened the scoring, showcasing his creativity and close control, before Ismaël Saibari added a second to put the result beyond doubt. Morocco’s ability to manage the tempo, stretch Cameroon’s defence and remain compact without the ball has reinforced their status as one of the favourites to lift the trophy on home soil.
Nigeria completed the semi-final line-up with a 2–0 win over Algeria in Marrakech, a result that underlined the Super Eagles’ resurgence on the continental stage. Victor Osimhen, one of Africa’s most feared forwards, set Nigeria on their way with the opening goal, using his movement and power to trouble the Algerian back line.
Substitute Akor Adams then sealed the victory late on, capitalising on Nigeria’s control of the game and ensuring there would be no late twist. The win sets up a tantalising clash with Morocco, pitting the hosts against a Nigerian side rich in attacking talent and tournament pedigree.
The quarter-final stage highlighted how fine the margins are at this level. Experience, composure under pressure and the ability to seize key moments proved decisive. Traditional powerhouses with deep tournament histories have once again risen to the top, but each of the four semi-finalists has taken a distinct route to this point.
Morocco have leaned on a well-drilled structure, home advantage and a generation of players hardened by European club football. Nigeria have blended established stars with emerging talents, gradually finding balance between attack and defence as the tournament has progressed.
Senegal’s strength lies in continuity and cohesion, with a core group that has played together across multiple tournaments. Egypt, meanwhile, continue to rely on their unrivalled AFCON know-how, game management and the ability to navigate tight knockout fixtures.
With the final set to be played in Rabat, the semi-finals will not only determine the two teams that advance but also shape the narrative of the tournament: whether the hosts can ride the wave of home support to the showpiece, whether Nigeria can reassert themselves as continental giants, whether Senegal can confirm their status as a modern powerhouse, or whether Egypt can extend their historic dominance.
Below is the full list of AFCON 2025 semi-final fixtures, including date, time and venue.
AFCON 2025 semi-final fixtures
Senegal vs Egypt
Date: Wednesday, January 14
Venue: Grand Stade de Tanger, Tangier
Kick-off time: 6:00 pm WAT
Nigeria vs Morocco
Date: Wednesday, January 14
Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
Kick-off time: 9:00 pm WAT
With four former champions still in contention, the semi-finals promise high drama, tactical intrigue and individual brilliance. Every pass, tackle and chance will carry the weight of a continent’s expectations as Africa’s biggest football prize moves within touching distance.
