Following the conclusion of an intriguing quarterfinal stage, the final four teams remaining in the 2025-26 AFCON have been decided with the title drawing even closer. A new name on the trophy is guaranteed to be etched following holders Ivory Coast getting eliminated in the quarterfinals. 2021 winners Senegal, record seven time champions Egypt, three time victors Nigeria and the host Morocco are left to compete. All of them have tasted the Cup before making it a clash of champions in the two semifinal matches. The winners will meet in the final hosted in Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat on Monday, 19th January 2026 to fight for the crown to make themselves kings of Africa.
Senegal vs Egypt - Stade de Tanger, Tanger (14 January 2026, 22:30)
Repeat of the 2021 AFCON final and the first meeting since the 2022 World Cup qualification, both of which Senegal triumphed in, it will be another intense battle between the pair in the semifinal of the 2025-26 edition of the tournament. Egypt will seek revenge for those heartbreaks after marooning their way into the semifinals, slewing some top sides on their way. The Pharaohs topped their group above South Africa, then got past a stubborn Benin in the last-16 but the height of the performance came against the holders Ivory Coast in the quarterfinals. Hossam Hassan's side played out a 3-2 thriller to knock the defending champions out of the competition in a game they improved finishing and overwhelmed opposition with deadly counters. Omar Marmoush opened the scoring inside just four minutes with Rami Rabia extending the lead from a corner past the half-hour mark. Despite conceding an own goal close to half-time whistle, Mo Salah made sure that his side will not be denied their place in the semifinals even though Guela Doue's 73rd minute strike made this interesting at the end. Egypt held on for a 14th appearance in the last-four, returning to the stage after one edition and the one they want to make it remarkable.
Senegal's journey was more smooth sailing after topping their group with seven points, drawing only to DR Congo in between 3-0 victories over Botswana and Benin, carrying the momentum to the Round of 16 where they defeated Sudan 3-1 coming from behind. However, the Lions of Teranga faced resistance from Mali despite the opposition going down to 10-men before the second-half. At the end, Everton man Iliman Ndiaye's 27th minute close range strike made the difference to put his side in the semifinals, clinching a 1-0 victory. Pape Thiaw's team would have hoped to add more to their tally especially with a player advantage for an entire half but their absolute dominance in possession, chances created, shots on target etc. signifies a decisive performance. The manager will be happy with what the team is building up here, also having a sublime depth to rotate the squad to tackle a crunching schedule and still produce quality. However, Senegal will face the greatest challenge so far in their sixth semifinal appearance at the competition and the second one involving Egypt. It is also their sixth meeting with the Pharaohs in the AFCON and carrying a fabulous record against them in recent face-offs is only boosting their confidence ahead of the tie.
Prediction: Senegal 1-1 Egypt - Senegal win on penalties
Be it the 2021 AFCON final or the World Cup qualification decider in the last meeting, penalties were required to separate the sides after a tight and tense 120 minutes of football. Another such battle is expected to play out with Senegal a tad bit better team to triumph in this encounter through shootout once again, although they are more than capable to finish the job early, to progress to the final. They carry an incredible record against the Pharaohs having won four of their previous five encounters with their last defeat in this fixture coming way back in 2006. The Lions of Teranga have also progressed from four semifinals in their history, another fruitful record giving them optimism.
That sole loss back in 2002 came against Egypt though, their only other semifinal meeting, but Hossam Hassan's side had to worry about Senegal's prudent attack. Despite a good show against Ivory Coast, they still conceded twice albeit on setpieces with their defence still yet to be tested against a proper attacking side like their opposition on Wednesday. Egypt has Salah as the trump card with the Liverpool star having a reversal of form in this competition, scoring in each game he has played, and scoring crucial goals but the occasion looks a bit much for his side.
Nigeria vs Morocco - Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, Rabat (15 January 2026, 01:30)
An absolute cracker of a semifinal tie awaits in the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, Rabat as the tournament's most in-form side, Nigeria lock horns with hosts and title favourites Morocco. The Super Eagles have caused a stir in the AFCON this edition and also a surprise following their shock failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Coach Eric Chelle is looking to have finally hit gear with the side as they experienced a flawless group stage, demolished Mozambique 4-0 in the Round of 16 and then secured their most important result of the tournament so far, securing a 2-0 win against Algeria in the quarterfinals. Undoubtedly, star striker Victor Osimhen shined in the victory with a 47th minute strike to open the scoring and then setting up Akor Adams ten minutes later to finish off the tie. The fact that Nigeria defeated a team that conceded only once before facing them with such fervour shows the force they have turned into this competition. The Super Eagles have scored 14 goals in the 2025-26 AFCON so far making the most the teams have ever scored at a single edition. They also have the best goals per game ratio, with 2.8, for any team to play more than 3 matches in a single edition of the competition, making them a feared proposition.
Host Morocco riding on the expectations of winning the AFCON title unveiled their best self last weekend by putting a dominant display in eliminating Cameroon from the quarterfinal stage. Not been convincing for many with their performance, the Atlas Lions silenced their doubter by turning Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium into a fortress with an incredible atmosphere when it mattered as the star of the tournament and not just the team, Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari shined with their goals in the 2-0 victory. The Real Madrid star has already set the record of becoming the first Moroccan player to have scored in the first four games of AFCON and he added one more to the tally, hoping for more in their fifth semifinal appearance and the first since 2004. The promising display gives a lot of confidence to Walid Regragui's team as they look to make their dream come true with them now just two steps away from glory. However, they are yet to face arguably the best teams in the competition with their goal-hungry redemption arc causing major problems for defences. But Morocco have shown their calibre by scoring eight goals in the competition and sport the best defence by conceding just once. The 1976 winners are here to prove that they are ready to go the extra mile to reach their promised land.
Prediction: Nigeria 2-1 Morocco
This one could turn into anyone's favour with two most prolific teams of the tournament going against each other. Nigeria has been stunning with their attacking prowess expected to cause a lot of problems for the host especially with a difference maker like Victor Osimhen upfront. The Galatasaray forward has netted four goals in the tournament and not just that he has provided three assists showing his playmaking ability too. Supported by Ademola Lookman, the Super Eagles look deadly and their experience of playing the semifinals is better than any other team in tournament history with 17 and progressing each time.
That backing of history and scintillating form could help them secure back-to-back final appearances. The point of hindrance will be the hostile atmosphere created by fans of Morocco and the incredible unbeaten home record they carry. Also, the last time the Atlas Lions were in the last four they went to the final in 2004. Walid Regragui's side won't be losing ground so easily considering the hopes on them of winning the AFCON on home soil and probably having the finest squad in the modern era with Diaz the key player in it. Form and experience favours Nigeria in the battle but it could be easily in the hosts pocket especially after their electrifying performance in the previous stage.
