Two of Africa’s most decorated football nations collide on Wednesday when Egypt face Senegal in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Tangier.

With a place in the final at stake, the match revives one of the continent’s fiercest modern rivalries, headlined by Liverpool icons Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. It is also a rematch of the 2022 AFCON final, when Senegal edged Egypt on penalties after a tense goalless draw.

For Egypt, this semi-final offers a chance to settle that score. For Senegal, it is an opportunity to move one step closer to back-to-back AFCON finals.

Match details

• Fixture: Egypt vs Senegal
• Date: Wednesday, 14 January 2026
• Kick-off: 5:00pm local time (GMT+1)
• UK: 4:00pm
• US (ET): 11:00am
• Venue: Grand Stade de Tanger, Tangier

The 75,000-seat Grand Stade de Tanger has become one of the signature venues of AFCON 2025. Its open design and coastal location create an intense matchday atmosphere, and it has already hosted several high-profile knockout games.

Weather conditions are expected to be mild and partly cloudy, with temperatures around 17°C, ideal for a high-tempo contest.

Where to watch Egypt vs Senegal

The match will be broadcast worldwide.

Selected broadcasters

• Egypt: ONTime Sports, beIN Sports MENA
• Senegal: RTS1
• United Kingdom: Channel 4, E4, Channel 4 app
• United States: beIN Sports, FuboTV
• Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport
• Middle East & North Africa: beIN Sports

Senegal form and team news

Senegal arrive in Tangier full of confidence after navigating the knockout rounds with authority. Pape Thiaw’s side have shown the same balance that carried them to the title in 2022, blending physicality, discipline and clinical finishing.

Sadio Mane remains the attacking focal point, supported by Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye, while goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has been a commanding presence at the back.

Related Article: AFCON 2025 Semi-final: Nigeria vs Morocco – preview, head-to-head and how to watch

There is good news in midfield, with Pape Matar Sarr expected to return after missing the quarter-final win over Mali. His energy and ball progression could be vital against Egypt’s compact structure.

Egypt form and team news

Egypt continue to do what they do best at AFCON: survive, adapt and win. Hossam Hassan’s side produced one of the games of the tournament in the quarter-finals, defeating holders Ivory Coast 3-2 with Mohamed Salah once again leading by example.

Salah scored and assisted in that victory and remains the Pharaohs’ talisman. Omar Marmoush and Mostafa Mohamed are expected to start in attack, offering pace and movement alongside their captain.

There are concerns over defender Ahmed Hegazi, who limped off in the previous round and remains a doubt. Egypt are unbeaten in five matches at this AFCON but have conceded in each of their last three, something Senegal will look to exploit.

Head-to-head record

Egypt and Senegal have faced each other 15 times across all competitions.

• Senegal wins: 7
• Egypt wins: 6
• Draws: 2

Recent meetings have favoured Senegal, including their penalty-shootout victories in the 2022 AFCON final and World Cup qualification playoff. Egypt, however, have a long history of thriving in knockout football, with a record seven AFCON titles to their name.

Key players to watch

Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
The Liverpool forward remains Egypt’s reference point in attack and their main source of goals and creativity. His movement between the lines, decision-making in transition, and leadership in high-pressure moments continue to define Egypt’s approach in knockout matches.

Sadio Mane (Senegal)
Mane’s experience and explosiveness make him Senegal’s biggest attacking threat. Even when closely marked, his ability to create space for teammates and deliver decisive moments in major tournaments gives the Teranga Lions a clear edge in big games.

Omar Marmoush (Egypt)
Marmoush has been one of Egypt’s most dynamic performers at AFCON 2025. His pace, direct running, and willingness to attack defenders one-on-one provide a vital outlet on the counter-attack, especially when space opens up behind Senegal’s back line.

Mostafa Mohamed (Egypt)
The Nantes striker offers physical presence and intelligent movement in the penalty area. His hold-up play and aerial ability will be crucial in helping Egypt relieve pressure and convert half-chances against a disciplined Senegal defence.

Ismaila Sarr (Senegal)
Sarr’s speed and work rate on the flank give Senegal an important balance between attack and defence. His ability to stretch the pitch and deliver early crosses could be decisive against Egypt’s compact shape.

Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal)
Operating between midfield and attack, Ndiaye brings creativity and unpredictability. His close control and pressing ability allow Senegal to disrupt opposition build-up play and create overloads in central areas.

What to expect

This is a classic clash of styles. Senegal bring physical strength, width and defensive stability, while Egypt rely on structure, game management and moments of brilliance from Salah.

Given the history between these sides, another tight and dramatic encounter is likely. Whether it is settled in normal time or once again in penalties, Egypt vs Senegal promises to be one of AFCON 2025’s defining nights.

SportsLigue