Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
SENEGAL and Egypt will renew their fierce continental rivalry this Wednesday when they meet in the semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with a place in the final at stake.
The encounter revives memories of their dramatic AFCON final four years ago in Cameroon, when Senegal clinched their maiden continental title after defeating Egypt 4-2 on penalties following a goalless draw in Yaoundé. Wednesday’s match marks the first Africa Cup of Nations meeting between the two sides since that decisive night in February 2022.
Egypt head into the semi-final buoyed by a hard-fought 3-2 quarter-final victory over hosts Côte d’Ivoire, a result that once again highlighted the Pharaohs’ pedigree and experience in knockout football. The seven-time champions are seeking to reassert their dominance on the continent and exact revenge for recent setbacks against the West Africans.
Senegal, meanwhile, have impressed with their composure and tactical discipline throughout the tournament. The defending champions have relied on a settled core of players well-versed in the demands of high-pressure matches, as they bid to retain the title.
The scars of past encounters remain fresh. Senegal and Egypt also crossed paths in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where the Lions of Teranga again prevailed on penalties to book a place at the global showpiece in Qatar. Several players from those clashes remain central figures this week, with seven members of Senegal’s 2022 AFCON-winning squad and eight from Egypt’s side still involved.
Much of the spotlight will once again fall on former Liverpool teammates Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané. Both aged 33, the two African superstars could be facing each other for the final time at a major international tournament. Mané holds the recent edge, having won two of their three international meetings and never losing to Egypt in a knockout match.
Historically, Egypt boast a superior overall record, with eight victories from 16 meetings, compared to four wins for Senegal and four draws. However, in recent high-stakes encounters, Senegal have consistently had the upper hand.
As Africa’s football heavyweights collide in Morocco, the semi-final promises intensity, history and high drama. For Egypt, it is an opportunity to settle old scores. For Senegal, it is another step towards extending their growing legacy on the continental stage.
