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AFCON 2025: Morocco, Nigeria, Egypt and Senegal set for blockbuster semi finals

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The semi final line up for AFCON 2025 is complete, with hosts Morocco, Nigeria, Egypt and Senegal ready for two heavyweight clashes in Morocco. All four traditional giants came through intense quarter finals to keep their title ambitions alive.​

On Wednesday, January 14, Senegal will face seven time champions Egypt at the Grand Stade de Tanger in Tangier from 6 00 pm WAT. Later that night, hosts Morocco will take on the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with kickoff at 9 00 pm WAT.​

For the first time in AFCON history, all four semi final teams are led by African coaches, guaranteeing a fourth straight tournament won by a home grown manager. The last four features defending champions Senegal, record winners Egypt, host nation Morocco and a powerful Nigeria side spearheaded by in form striker Victor Osimhen.​

Morocco reached the semis after a controlled 2 0 win over Cameroon, showing composure in possession and sharp transitions on the break. Nigeria, who beat Algeria 2 0, have been one of the most dangerous attacking teams at this AFCON, with Osimhen and Akor Adams forming a fast and physical front line.​

In the other tie, Senegal edged Mali 1 0 and have been praised for their structure, game management and ability to grind out results. Egypt booked their place by knocking out defending champions Ivory Coast 3 2 in a thriller, underlining their big match pedigree and experience in knockout football.​

The winners of both semi finals will meet in the final on Sunday, January 18, in Rabat, while the losers will contest the third place match on Saturday, January 17. With four heavyweights still in contention, organisers and fans expect that one moment of brilliance or a single error could decide who lifts the trophy.

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