The Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 has its dream semi-final cast. Four giants — Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco and Senegal — have punched their tickets, and the stage is set for a blockbuster Wednesday, 14 January. With the final locked in for 18 January in Rabat, the continent’s biggest prize is now within touching distance for teams built to handle pressure, pace and the weight of history.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed the two last-four matchups: Senegal vs Egypt and Morocco vs Nigeria. It’s the kind of final four that writes its own headlines — seven-time champions Egypt, hosts Morocco chasing a first title in 50 years, a powerful Nigeria led by Victor Osimhen, and a relentless Senegal side that just keeps finding a way.

Confirmed AFCON 2025 semi-final fixtures and schedule

CAF has set both semi-finals for Wednesday, 14 January, as the competition speeds toward its climax. The schedule details available at the time of writing are as follows:

• Senegal vs Egypt — Wednesday, 14 January; 17:00 GMT at Tangier Grand Stadium (as reported by ModernGhana). The venue corresponds to the city’s main arena also known as Ibn Batouta Stadium.
• Morocco vs Nigeria — Wednesday, 14 January; fixture confirmed by CAF. Kick-off time and specific stadium were not publicly detailed in the materials reviewed.

The final is scheduled for 18 January in Rabat, with the third-place play-off set for Saturday, 17 January, per the official schedule summaries.

“Four heavyweights, one day — AFCON just served us a dream semi-final slate.”

How they got here: quarter-final drama and decisive moments

This is a last four earned the hard way. Over two tight quarter-final days, all four winners showed control, clarity, and big-game nerve.

• Senegal 1–0 Mali: A West African derby settled by Iliman Ndiaye in the first half. It was a hard-fought win, the kind that has defined Senegal’s tournament resilience.
• Morocco 2–0 Cameroon (Rabat): Hosts Morocco kept their cool and their clean sheet, with smart finishes from Brahim Díaz and Ismaël Saibari turning a tight tie into a statement.
• Nigeria 2–0 Algeria (Marrakech): Victor Osimhen rose highest for the opener and later helped set up Akor Adams for the second. It was businesslike, balanced, and full of conviction.
• Egypt 3–2 Côte d’Ivoire: The seven-time champions eliminated the title holders in a thriller, ending the Elephants’ reign and announcing themselves as serious contenders again.

Put simply: these semi-finalists have not stumbled into the last four. They’ve bossed key moments and shown they can score when it counts.

“Osimhen vs Morocco’s back line under the lights in Rabat? That’s must-watch football.”

Storylines to watch: stars, styles and stakes

Egypt arrive with pedigree and momentum after edging out the defending champions. Their aura matters in tight knockout games, and their knack for managing pressure could be vital against a sharp, athletic Senegal side. Ndiaye’s timing and movement give Senegal cutting edge in attack, and their structure without the ball has been a strength throughout the tournament.

Morocco, the hosts, are chasing a first continental crown in five decades. The 2–0 win over Cameroon looked authoritative — composed in build-up, ruthless in transition, and calm late on. They’ll need all of that against Nigeria, whose forward line can turn half-chances into goals. Victor Osimhen, Africa’s 2023 Player of the Year, is a constant threat in the air and on the run, while the emergence of Akor Adams adds a second punch that defenses must respect.

The tactical edge could come down to details: how Egypt control tempo against Senegal’s speed; how Morocco’s midfield contains Osimhen’s bursts; and which bench delivers an impact late in the second half. With all four teams comfortable in one-goal games, patience and set-piece discipline could swing either tie.

“Egypt’s know‑how vs Senegal’s pace. Which wins on a tense semi-final night?”

Venues, atmosphere and what’s next

Morocco is built to host big nights. The Tangier Grand Stadium — also known as Ibn Batouta Stadium — is a large, modern venue with a capacity of about 75,000, and it will stage Senegal vs Egypt at 17:00 GMT. For Morocco vs Nigeria, CAF has confirmed the date, with local organizers to finalize public details on the specific stadium and kick-off time.

All roads then lead to Rabat on 18 January for the final. Before that, the third-place play-off will be held on Saturday, 17 January. The calendar compresses the drama into four days — two semi-finals, the play-off, and a winner crowned on Sunday.

The bottom line

AFCON 2025 is down to four classic contenders. Morocco have home energy and a clear plan. Nigeria have power and pace up front. Senegal have control in tight games. Egypt have a champion’s mindset when the margins are thin.

Now it’s about execution. One moment of brilliance or one lapse could define a tournament. On Wednesday, Africa’s heavyweights step under the lights — and only two will walk out with a shot at the crown in Rabat.