AFCON 2025: History, pride and honour: Egypt and Senegal set for high

Record champions Egypt will face Senegal on Wednesday evening in Tangier, with a place in the final of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025 on the line.

It is a semi-final rich in narrative and emotion, one that promises intensity, drama and the unmistakable magic of African football.

Meetings between these two continental heavyweights have long been finely balanced. Across 15 previous encounters, Egypt hold a narrow edge with seven victories, compared to Senegal’s five, with three draws separating them.

At AFCON level, the margins are even tighter: five meetings, two wins apiece and one draw—numbers that underline just how evenly matched this rivalry has been.

A rivalry reignited

Their most recent AFCON meeting came in the 2021 final in Yaoundé, a night that delivered contrasting emotions. Senegal claimed their first-ever continental title, while Egypt were left heartbroken once more, falling short in their pursuit of an elusive eighth crown since their last triumph in 2010.

That final ended goalless after extra time, before Senegal prevailed in a tense penalty shoot-out.

Five years on, the two sides cross paths again, with memories of that epic duel still vivid. Senegal return seeking affirmation of their growing pedigree, while Egypt arrive driven by unfinished business and the desire for redemption.

Pharaohs chasing an eighth star

Since lifting the trophy in 2010, Egypt have endured two painful final defeats—in 2017 and 2021—and the hunger to return to the summit has only intensified. In Morocco, the Pharaohs have gone about their work with quiet assurance, steadily reinforcing their credentials with each performance.

Their thrilling 3–2 quarter-final victory over defending champions Côte d’Ivoire was a statement felt across the continent, proof that Egypt are ready to fight for the coveted eighth star that has dominated their narrative.

Topping their group with two wins and a draw, they followed up with a 3–1 Round of 16 victory over Benin, before striking three times again in the quarter-finals.

At the heart of their charge stands Mohamed Salah. Still chasing a maiden AFCON title, the Liverpool forward has led by example, contributing four goals and one assist so far. His influence, leadership and cutting edge will once again be central as Egypt confront familiar foes.

Senegal at home, Senegal in form

For Senegal, Wednesday’s semi-final carries an added layer of comfort. While Egypt travel from Agadir—where they have been based throughout the tournament—the Lions of Teranga remain in Tangier, the city that has hosted all their matches so far.

Familiarity with the stadium, conditions and atmosphere could offer a subtle psychological edge.

Like Egypt, Senegal topped their group before cruising past Sudan 3–1 in the Round of 16, settling the contest within regulation time. In the quarter-finals, they were pushed hard by a resilient 10-man Mali, but edged through with a narrow 1–0 victory, showcasing patience and control.

Senegal’s strength has been collective rather than individual. Their attacking trio—Iliman Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson and captain Sadio Mané—has delivered with efficiency and cohesion.

Though Mané has scored just once in the tournament, his creativity, movement and leadership have been pivotal in unlocking stubborn defences. Mané has created the joint-most chances at the current AFCON with 14, alongside Ademola Lookman, while Salah follows with 12.

Fine margins under the Tangier lights

A familiar subplot will see Mané come up against his former Liverpool teammate Salah once more—two icons carrying the hopes of their nations. Senegal’s attacking ambition now meets an Egyptian defence renowned for organisation and resilience, setting the stage for a tactical and emotional battle where every moment could tip the balance.

In a semi-final shaped by history and fuelled by pride, this is a contest where blinking could mean missing everything. Only one will take the next step toward continental glory.

What the coaches said:

Hossam Hassan – Egypt

Senegal is not a bogey team for the Egyptian national team. We are seven-time African champions, and there is no such thing as a bogey team in football. Anyone who faces the Egyptian national team plays with fear in their heart, and the provocative videos circulated about us motivate us before matches.

We approach this semi-final with great respect for our opponent, but also with great preparation. We are mentally ready. We know the team we are facing and we also know our strengths. Each team has its own way of playing, its own strategy, and we have prepared accordingly.

Pape Thiaw – Senegal

We are preparing for this match with the utmost rigour, leaving no room for distractions that could derail our focus. We know we are facing a very strong Egyptian side, arguably the most star-studded team in Africa, one that is tactically disciplined and mentally seasoned by years of playing at this level.

We approach this challenge with great respect, but also with real ambition. We are determined to win and reach the final. Above all, we remain faithful to our playing philosophy, because we believe it is the key that can make the difference.

Match stat:

Mohamed Salah has faced Senegal five times and is yet to score against them, recording one win, one draw and three defeats. Sadio Mané has faced Egypt five times, scoring one goal and recording three wins, one draw and one defeat.

Salah and Mané were teammates at English Premier League club Liverpool between 2017 and 2022, featuring together 223 times. Mané assisted Salah on 18 occasions, while Salah provided 17 assists for Mané.

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