It is the rematch that writes itself. Egypt and Senegal, two giants of African football, collide in Tangier tonight for a place in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final. Kick-off is set for 7 pm CAT on Wednesday, January 14. It is a semi-final rich with history, emotion, and elite talent—most notably former Liverpool icons Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané—meeting again on the biggest continental stage.

Senegal won the 2021 AFCON final on penalties and then repeated that heartbreak for Egypt in the World Cup playoff. Egypt arrive in Morocco seeking an eighth continental crown; Senegal chase back-to-back progressions to the final and a second title. The stakes are huge, the margins likely tiny.

Rivalry renewed: scars, pride and a different tone

The head-to-head narrative is clear. Senegal have edged the decisive moments recently, twice triumphing from the spot against Egypt in 2021 and in the World Cup playoff. But Egypt’s camp has pushed back against any fear factor.

“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,” said coach Hossam Hassan, setting a confident tone.

At the same time, this is no grudge match, insists Mahmoud Hassan (Trezeguet): “There is no revenge in football.” It is a mature, grounded message from a group that has built its tournament run on control and clear thinking.

“Is this the night Salah breaks the AFCON curse?”

Egypt’s form: unbeaten, efficient, and Salah-led

Egypt have been steady and sharp. They topped their group with two wins and a draw, then handled knockout pressure with calm. The Pharaohs beat Benin 3-1 in the Round of 16, before outlasting Ivory Coast 3-2 in a lively quarter-final. In that game, Omar Marmoush struck inside four minutes, Rami Rabia added another around the half-hour, and Salah delivered the third to seal it.

Beyond the goals, Salah’s overall output has been elite: four goals, one assist, and 12 chances created through five matches. He has been the tournament’s defining threat in transition and in tight spaces, linking with livewires like Marmoush and the industrious Mohamed Ashour. Under Hassan, Egypt’s plan is clear: stay compact, spring forward with speed, let Salah tilt the game, and trust the back line’s positioning.

Hassan knows this next step is the hardest yet. “The game against Senegal will not be easy, but we are ready. We respect all opponents, and that has been the secret of our success so far,” he said.

Senegal’s edge: control, structure, and runners from everywhere

Senegal’s numbers jump off the page. They have the highest average possession among the semi-finalists, and they sit second for both goals scored and goals conceded at this stage. That is the mark of a balanced, well-drilled side. They squeezed past Mali 1-0 in the quarters, a result that spoke to their patience and their faith in their structure. This is their fourth straight AFCON semi-final — sustained excellence.

Sadio Mané has only one goal so far, but he has created 14 chances, the joint-most in the competition. Around him, the collective is strong: Iliman Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson, Ismaïla Sarr, and fullbacks like Krépin Diatta can all punch holes with pace and angles. Coach Pape Thiaw is not shy about their identity. “We know we are facing a very strong team that is used to these kinds of matches. But we are determined to win and reach the final while staying true to our playing philosophy.”

“Senegal’s control vs Egypt’s counters — chess in Tangier.”

Key battles and simple truths

This game could pivot on a few simple themes:

• First goal pressure: Egypt scored early against Ivory Coast through Marmoush; an early strike here would let them sit deep and counter. If Senegal score first, their possession can drain the clock.
• Transition defense: Egypt break fast; Senegal must control the second ball and stop Salah’s lanes. For Egypt, cutting off Mané’s link with runners like Sarr and Jackson is vital.
• Set pieces and discipline: In a tight semi, one dead ball or a small mistake can decide it. Composure inside both boxes is everything.

Egypt will likely keep the middle compact and look to release Salah and Marmoush early. Senegal will trust their shape, move Egypt from side to side, and try to isolate 1v1s in wide areas, where their pace and delivery can tell.

“If Mané drops deep again, who tracks the runner? That’s the game.”

Form guides and numbers that matter

Egypt are unbeaten here: four wins and one draw. They have shown they can win in different ways, either riding an early lead or finding goals under stress. Senegal’s possession profile suggests they can control tempo, yet they have also been efficient at both ends, ranking second in goals for and against among the final four.

External models underline how close the field is. Opta’s tournament projection gives Senegal a 23.46% chance of winning the title, Nigeria 23.24%, and Egypt 18.75%. Sports Mole tips a 1-0 Senegal win tonight. None of that will decide the match, but it highlights how small the gap is at the top.

Wider bracket: Nigeria and hosts Morocco wait

Across the draw, the other semi-final features Nigeria and host nation Morocco. The Super Eagles have been gathering momentum; even Algeria coach Vladimir Petković said after facing them, “Nigeria deserved to win this match. They were better than us.” The trophy room count adds context: Egypt (7), Nigeria (3), Morocco (1), Senegal (1). History leans Egypt, recent control leans Senegal, and Nigeria’s form is undeniable. Whoever advances from Tangier will face an immense final step.

Quotes that set the mood

Hossam Hassan: “Senegal is not a bogey team for the Egyptian national team.”

Hossam Hassan: “We respect all opponents, and that has been the secret of our success so far.”

Pape Thiaw: “We know we are facing a very strong team… But we are determined to win and reach the final while staying true to our playing philosophy.”

Mahmoud Hassan (Trezeguet): “There is no revenge in football.”

What to expect in Tangier

Expect a slow burn. Senegal will try to move Egypt around and strike when the gaps open. Egypt will aim to spring forward at pace and put the game on Salah’s foot. If it becomes a tight endgame, don’t be shocked if we head for extra time and the drama of penalties again. These two know each other too well, and neither gives much away.

But semi-finals also make heroes fast. One clean finish, one last-ditch tackle, one fingertip save can change the continent’s story. Salah is chasing his first AFCON title. Mané, Senegal’s greatest, wants another shot at the podium. At 7 pm CAT in Tangier, Africa gets its answer to the biggest question of the night.

However it breaks, the journey to the final will have earned its champion. For now, all eyes on Egypt vs Senegal.