Africa’s Greatest Football Theatre Awaits Its Stars
Sitting in front of my PC & reviewing my extensive notes, I’m reminded why AFCON remains football’s most unpredictable, emotionally charged tournament. Wednesday, January 14, 2026, will etch itself into continental folklore as four genuine heavyweights; Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, and Senegal; prepare for semifinal battles that promise to define legacies and rewrite history.
Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco and Senegal have sealed their places in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 following their Quarterfinal victories. These aren’t just semifinalists. They represent a combined 16 AFCON titles, boasting some of the world’s most recognizable footballing talent and carrying the weight of millions of expectant supporters across the continent.
Senegal vs Egypt: The Rematch That Never Left Our Memory
A Rivalry Born in Penalty Heartbreak
Egypt will face Senegal on Wednesday, renewing a heavyweight rivalry and the psychological subtext couldn’t be more compelling. This semifinal resurrects one of modern African football’s most emotionally charged narratives; a direct rematch of the 2021 AFCON final that saw Senegal claim their maiden continental title on penalties after a goalless draw.
That night in Yaoundé, Cameroon, Mohamed Salah watched Sadio Mané (his Liverpool teammate at the time) convert the decisive penalty after Egypt’s dream crumbled in the cruelest fashion. The psychological wounds deepened when Senegal eliminated Egypt again on penalties in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, creating a narrative arc that has fueled Egypt’s determination throughout this tournament.
Egypt: The Pharaohs’ Hunger After 15 Years in the Wilderness
The Pharaohs are hungry for success following a 16-year AFCON drought. After winning the trophy for a third successive time in 2010, Egypt have finished runners-up twice, in 2017 where they lost to Cameroon and 2021 to Senegal’s Teranga Lions.
Egypt’s journey to this semifinal has been characteristically dramatic, blending trademark resilience with moments of breathtaking quality. Seven-time champions Egypt sealed the final semi-final ticket on Saturday night after edging defending champions Côte d’Ivoire 3-2 in a pulsating contest, a result that perfectly encapsulated their tournament; dangerous going forward, occasionally vulnerable at the back, but possessed of an unshakeable belief.
Egypt’s Tournament Statistics
- Matches played: 5
- Record: W4 D1 L0
- Goals scored: 11
- Goals conceded: 6
- Clean sheets: 1
The group stage revealed a team finding its rhythm gradually. Egypt 2-1 Zimbabwe – Salah’s stoppage-time winner rescued three points in their opener, before a commanding 1-0 South Africa victory demonstrated big-game temperament. A rotated squad in their final group game settled for a 0-0 stalemate to Angola, with qualification already secured.
The knockout rounds have showcased Egypt at their most dangerous. Egypt 3-1 Benin required extra time but confirmed their growing confidence. Then came Saturday’s quarterfinal masterclass; a performance that sent shockwaves through the tournament.
Against defending champions Ivory Coast, Egypt struck with clinical precision. Omar Marmoush (4′), Mohamed Salah (52′), Rami Rabia (32′) scored for Egypt to take them past Ivory Coast, though Ahmed Fatouh (40′) gave Ivory their first breakthrough in the form of own goal followed by Guéla Doué (73′) ensured a nerve-wracking finale. The Pharaohs held firm, their composure under pressure suggesting a team ready to exorcise past demons.
Mohamed Salah: Legacy on the Line
Liverpool forward Salah nabbed his fourth goal of the tournament (Egypt’s third of the game) in the 52nd minute, and with each strike, the 33-year-old edges closer to personal and national redemption. This is Salah’s most prolific AFCON campaign, arriving at the perfect moment.
Having conquered Europe with Liverpool; winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup; the AFCON trophy remains the one major honor that has eluded him. Salah has helped Liverpool win the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League and Club World Cup, in its previous format, but the most prized African medal has eluded him.
His performances in Morocco suggest a player determined to complete his legacy. Beyond his four goals, Salah has been creating chances prolifically, his experience and vision unlocking defenses that pack numbers behind the ball. The sight of him celebrating wildly after each goal speaks to the desperation and desire coursing through Egyptian veins.
Supporting Salah is Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush, who has announced himself on the continental stage with crucial goals. Marmoush scored the opener against Ivory Coast in the fourth minute, taking advantage of defensive errors with the predatory instincts of a world-class striker. The partnership between Egypt’s established superstar and their emerging talent has provided coach Hossam Hassan with tactical flexibility.
Defensively, Egypt remains a work in progress. Conceding six goals across five matches isn’t championship-winning form, but Rami Rabia’s aerial dominance (evidenced by his goal against Ivory Coast) and Mohamed El-Shenawy’s experience in goal provide reassurance when it matters most.
Senegal: The Reigning Champions’ Quiet Confidence
The Teranga Lions arrived in Morocco as pre-tournament favorites and they’ve largely justified that billing with a blend of defensive solidity and clinical efficiency. Senegal secured their place in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 after edging past Mali 1–0 in a tense West African derby on Friday, extending their remarkable unbeaten run at AFCON to 16 matches within regular time.
Senegal’s Tournament Statistics
- Matches played: 5
- Record: W4 D1 L0
- Goals scored: 11
- Goals conceded: 2
- Clean sheets: 3
Pape Thiaw’s side has showcased tournament maturity rarely seen in African football. They topped Group D with authority: 3-0 victories over Botswana and Benin sandwiched a 1-1 draw with DR Congo. Their knockout performances have revealed championship DNA: a 3-1 win over Sudan in the round of 16 before Friday’s triumph over Mali.
The decisive moment in the quarterfinal came in the first half, when Iliman Ndiaye struck clinically to give the Lions of Teranga a lead they would protect with composure and authority. The Everton midfielder’s 27th-minute goal wasn’t just a quarterfinal winner; it was a statement of intent from a player seizing his moment on the biggest stage.
Mali captain Bissouma was yellow-carded midway through the half for fouling veteran Senegal striker and twice African player of the year Sadio Mane, before receiving a second yellow card during first-half added time, giving Senegal a numerical advantage they exploited with tactical intelligence rather than reckless abandon.
Senegal’s Tactical Evolution
The Teranga Lions have evolved significantly since their 2021 triumph. While they still possess the defensive solidity that has become their trademark (conceding just twice in five matches) Thiaw has infused the side with creative freedom that allows their attacking talent to flourish.
Veteran winger Mané remains a linchpin for Senegal alongside midfielder Iliman Ndiaye, though at 33 and now plying his trade in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr, Mané has assumed a more orchestral role. His experience and leadership qualities have proven invaluable, particularly in tight knockout encounters where composure separates champions from pretenders.
The midfield axis of Idrissa Gana Gueye and Pape Gueye provides the perfect blend of steel and silk, recycling possession while launching attacks with precision. Krepin Diatta has been exceptional, combining defensive impermeability with dangerous forward runs from right-back.
Perhaps most encouragingly, 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye continues to play with a maturity well beyond his years, offering Senegal tactical options that can change games when introduced from the bench.
Head-to-Head: When History Demands Respect
Their AFCON encounters have produced unforgettable drama. The 2021 AFCON Final – Senegal 0–0 Egypt (Senegal won 5–4 on penalties) represents the zenith of their rivalry, but historical context reveals fascinating patterns.
Egypt won their only previous AFCON semifinal meeting between these nations in 2006, defeating Senegal 2-1 before going on to lift the trophy. More remarkably, the winner of a knockout clash between Senegal and Egypt has always been crowned African champions, a scenario that has occurred twice, in 2006 and 2021.
That statistic adds extraordinary pressure and significance to Wednesday’s encounter. Both teams carry the weight of historical precedent suggesting this match will produce the eventual champion.
Tactical Battle: Discipline vs Desperation
Senegal will approach this match with the tactical discipline that has defined their tournament. Expect a compact 4-3-3 that transitions fluidly to 4-5-1 when defending, with Mané dropping deeper to create numerical superiority in midfield. Their press will be coordinated rather than frantic, forcing Egypt into wide areas where Senegal’s full-backs excel in one-on-one situations.
Egypt will need to solve Senegal’s defensive organization, something few teams have managed this tournament. Salah’s movement between the lines will be crucial, dragging Kalidou Koulibaly or Moussa Niakhaté out of position to create space for Marmoush’s runs in behind. Set pieces represent Egypt’s most reliable route to goal; Rabia’s aerial prowess could prove decisive against a Senegalese defense that showed vulnerability against Mali’s delivery.
The midfield battle will be fascinating. Egypt’s Hamdi Fathy and Marwan Attia must match Senegal’s energy while providing quick service to their forwards. Any sluggishness in transition will allow Senegal to establish their press, suffocating Egypt’s creative outlets.
Prediction: Senegal 1-1 Egypt (Senegal win on penalties)
This feels destined for another penalty shootout classic. Senegal’s defensive record suggests they won’t concede easily, while Egypt’s attacking quality means they’ll create chances. Both teams understand knockout football’s nuances; when to be patient, when to strike.
Senegal’s tournament pedigree and superior defensive organization give them a slight edge, but Egypt’s experience in these pressure-cooker moments cannot be discounted. I’m predicting a cagey 1-1 draw after 120 minutes, with Senegal’s penalty-taking superiority (and perhaps psychological edge from 2021) seeing them through to the final.
Predicted scoreline: 1-1 (Senegal win 3–2 on penalties)
Morocco vs Nigeria: The Continental Showstopping Blockbuster
When Host Nation Dreams Collide With Super Eagles’ Destiny
What many consider a “premature final”, Nigeria vs Morocco, might be the most anticipated match in AFCON 2025. Two genuine title favorites, both carrying the weight of expectation, tactical sophistication and world-class generational talents.
Hosts Morocco take on Nigeria in what promises to be another blockbuster encounter under the Moroccan lights and the stakes couldn’t be higher. For Morocco, this represents their best chance in half a century to win continental glory on home soil. For Nigeria, it’s an opportunity to silence a hostile crowd and claim their fourth AFCON title after 12 years in the wilderness.
Morocco: Home Advantage and Historical Pressure
Morocco also eased into the semi-finals with a commanding 2–0 victory over Cameroon to seal their place in the last four. Goals by Brahim Diaz and Ismaël Saibari were enough to help the host nation to advance and keep alive their hopes of winning the title at home.
The victory marked Morocco’s first AFCON semi-final appearance in 22 years, having last reached this stage during their run to the final in 2004. That historical context adds layers of pressure and expectation that could either propel or paralyze the Atlas Lions.
Morocco’s Tournament Statistics
- Matches played: 5
- Record: W4 D1 L0
- Goals scored: 11
- Goals conceded: 1
- Clean sheets: 4
Morocco’s numbers tell the story of a team in complete control. They topped Group A despite a 1-1 draw with Mali, bookended by comprehensive victories: 2-0 over Comoros (Brahim Diaz 55′, Ayoub El Kaabi 74′) and 3-0 against Zambia (El Kaabi 9′, 50′, Diaz 27′). The knockout rounds have seen them grow in confidence; 1-0 over Tanzania before Friday’s statement against Cameroon.
The hosts took the lead in the 26th minute via the prolific Diaz as the Real Madrid player showed his scoring instinct. Achraf Hakimi’s corner was headed goalwards by Ayoub El Kaabi and Diaz deflected the ball in from close range. That goal was historic; Díaz became just the second player in AFCON history (after Ghana’s Osei Kofi) to score in five consecutive matches at the tournament.
Ismael Saibari was also on target in another workmanlike display, sealing a 2-0 victory that demonstrated Morocco’s ability to win without playing their most expansive football; a crucial quality in knockout tournaments.
Brahim Díaz: The Golden Boot Leader
Brahim Díaz has tightened his grip on the Golden Boot race at the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, extending his lead after scoring again as hosts Morocco booked their place in the semi-finals. His five goals in five matches represent a remarkable return, but there’s a concern.
He left the field late on with a heavily strapped thigh that will be a concern for coach Walid Regragui. Díaz’s fitness will be monitored obsessively over the next 36 hours; his absence would represent a catastrophic blow to Morocco’s title aspirations.
Beyond Díaz, Morocco possess attacking depth that few African teams can match. Morocco striker Ayoub El Kaabi has three goals, providing the physical presence that complements Díaz’s technical brilliance. Captain Achraf Hakimi has been imperious, combining defensive excellence with creative delivery; his corners have been a constant threat.
Defensively, Morocco have been the tournament’s standout unit. Just one goal conceded in five matches speaks to the organization Regragui has instilled. Nayef Aguerd and Adam Masina form a commanding central partnership, while goalkeeper Yassine Bounou (nicknamed “Bono”) has been largely untested but reliable when called upon.
Nigeria: The Perfect Record and Osimhen’s Redemption
The Super Eagles arrive at this semifinal with an unblemished record, having won all five matches in regulation time. Nigeria stormed into the knockouts with a 100 per cent record as well, beating Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda in Group C.
Their quarterfinal demolition of Algeria showcased a team hitting peak form at precisely the right moment. Nigeria emerge 2-0 victors, thanks to star striker Osimhen’s goal and assist, to march into the semis.
Nigeria’s Tournament Statistics
- Matches played: 5
- Record: W5 D0 L0
- Goals scored: 14
- Goals conceded: 4
- Clean sheets: 2
Nigeria that has scored a tournament-high 14 goals represents the competition’s most potent attacking force. Their group stage was emphatic: 2-1 Tanzania, 3-2 Tunisia, and 3-1 Uganda. The knockout rounds have seen them maintain that scoring rate; 4-0 Mozambique (Lookman 20′, Osimhen 25′, 47′, Adams 75′) before Saturday’s quarterfinal masterclass.
Against Algeria, Nigeria demonstrated tactical maturity alongside their attacking flair. Bruno Onyemaechi threaded an inviting, inch-perfect diagonal towards the far post and Osimhen did the rest, rising above a flat-footed Algerian defence to drive his header down into the turf and beyond Luka Zidane in the 47th minute.
Ten minutes later, it was Osimhen at the centre of it, this time as the provider. With Algeria pushing numbers forward in search of an equaliser, they were caught in transition. Bensebaini’s loose touch was punished as Alex Iwobi was quick to pounce and slide the ball into Osimhen’s path. There was no rush, no greed. Osimhen looked up and squared unselfishly for Adams, who rounded Zidane and rolled the ball into an empty net.
Victor Osimhen: The Galatasaray Striker’s Tournament
Behind him, the race remains tightly packed with Victor Osimhen and Mohamed Salah moving to four goals each after scoring in Nigeria and Egypt’s respective quarter-final wins on Saturday.
Osimhen arrived the quarterfinals under scrutiny following an on-field altercation with teammate Ademola Lookman against Mozambique. In the 63rd minute of the match against Mozambique, while Nigeria were 3-0 up, Osimhen appeared unhappy with Lookman’s decision to take on defenders himself rather than pass the ball to him during an attacking move. Osimhen squared up to Lookman and gestured angrily in his direction.
But Osimhen has responded magnificently, his fourth goal of the tournament against Algeria that demonstrated his complete forward play; aerial dominance, selfless link-up and clinical finishing. The Galatasaray striker is chasing history, sitting just two goals away from matching Rashidi Yekini’s all-time Nigerian scoring record.
Ademola Lookman: The Atalanta Magician
A group of five players are tied on three goals: Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman, but his impact extends far beyond goalscoring. Lookman has bagged three goals and four assists in three appearances at AFCON 2025, proving equally influential both as a playmaker and a finisher.
Playing in a free role behind Osimhen, Lookman has thrived as the link between midfield and attack. His ability to drift into pockets of space, combined with his devastating dribbling and precise passing, makes him virtually unplayable on current form. Against Algeria, Lookman drove into the box, shifted the ball onto his right foot and aimed for the near post, constantly threatening to unlock defenses.
Beyond the attacking stars, Nigeria possess a midfield trio (Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi) that provides the perfect platform. Defensively, Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi have formed a solid partnership, though they’ll face their sternest test against Morocco’s technical quality.
Historical Context: Rare AFCON Meetings
Morocco and Nigeria’s AFCON history is surprisingly limited given their continental prominence. For Nigeria-Morocco specifically, their limited AFCON encounters make this semifinal even more intriguing, as neither team carries significant psychological baggage from previous tournament meetings.
Tactical Showdown: Technical Brilliance vs Physical Supremacy
This semifinal presents a fascinating stylistic clash. Morocco will attempt to control possession, using Hakimi’s overlapping runs and Díaz’s movement between the lines to stretch Nigeria’s defense. Their build-up play through the thirds is meticulous, designed to create overloads in wide areas before switching play rapidly.
Nigeria will embrace a more direct approach, using Lookman’s dribbling to transition quickly from defense to attack. Their full-backs (Bruno Onyemaechi and Bright Osayi-Samuel) will push high, creating width that allows Osimhen to attack the penalty area with space to operate. Set pieces could prove crucial, with Nigeria’s aerial threat potentially exploiting any defensive lapeness from Morocco.
The midfield battle will be decisive. Can Morocco’s technically gifted midfielders (Bilal El Khannouss and Neil El Aynaoui) control the tempo against Nigeria’s more physically imposing & impressive trio? If Nigeria establishes early dominance in midfield, Morocco’s possession-based approach will struggle.
Crowd noise represents Morocco’s 12th man. The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium will be a cauldron of expectation and hostility toward Nigeria. Coach Éric Chelle must ensure his players embrace rather than fear the atmosphere, using it as motivation rather than allowing it to create anxiety.
Prediction: Morocco 1–3 Nigeria
This feels like a match that could go either way, but I’m holding strong my bias as a Nigerian and predicting a straight win for the Nigerian lads. Morocco’s home advantage and defensive organization suggest they’ll frustrate Nigeria for long periods. But Nigeria’s attacking quality (particularly Osimhen and Lookman’s partnership) means they’ll create high-quality chances.
I expect Nigeria to take an early lead, silencing Moroccan fans and igniting the away/neutral crowd. Nigeria have shown remarkable resilience throughout this tournament and I believe they’ll hold their lead till half-time through an Osimhen brace. The second half will see both teams create chances but also respect each other’s quality.
The second half will be cagey, with both coaches fearing mistakes more than chasing glory. El-Kaabi is likely to find the net deep in the second half but I am seeing a late Iwobi masterclass capping a brilliant performance so far in the tournament with the decisive winning goal to see Nigeria through to the finals.
Predicted scoreline: 1–3
AFCON 2025: The Numbers That Tell The Story
Golden Boot Race: Díaz Leading, But Osimhen and Salah Hunting
Brahim Díaz (Morocco) – 5 goals
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) – 4 goals
Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – 4 goals
Ademola Lookman (Nigeria) – 3 goals
Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco) – 3 goals
Riyad Mahrez (Algeria) – 3 goals (eliminated)
Lassine Sinayoko (Mali) – 3 goals (eliminated)
Amad Diallo (Côte d’Ivoire) – 3 goals (eliminated)
Díaz’s injury concerns could dramatically alter this race. If he’s unable to feature effectively against Nigeria, both Osimhen and Salah would need just two goals in the semifinal and potential final to claim the Golden Boot. The race remains wide open, adding individual intrigue to team ambitions.
Tournament Scoring: A Festival of Goals
In total, 61 players have scored exactly one goal at the tournament, highlighting both the competitive balance of AFCON 2025 and the variety of attacking threats on display.
The semifinals feature the tournament’s highest-scoring teams:
- Nigeria: 14 goals (tournament leaders)
- Egypt: 11 goals
- Morocco: 11 goals
- Senegal: 11 goals
The semifinal matchups suggest Wednesday will produce more goal-mouth action, with all four teams demonstrating attacking intent throughout their AFCON campaigns so far.
Defensive Excellence: Morocco and Senegal Set Standard
Morocco’s solitary goal conceded in five matches represents AFCON 2025’s best defensive record. Senegal’s two goals against ranks second, highlighting why both teams entered as pre-tournament favorites.
Nigeria’s four goals conceded suggests vulnerability that Morocco will target, while Egypt’s six goals against indicates defensive fragility that Senegal could exploit.
Standout Performers Beyond the Scorers
- Krepin Diatta (Senegal): Dominant at right-back, combining defensive impermeability with dangerous attacking runs.
- Achraf Hakimi (Morocco): Though late to the show due to pre-tournament injury, Hakimi has so far delivered world-class performances, controlling Morocco’s right flank while providing defensive stability; showing exactly why he’s the current CAF POTY holder.
- Ademola Lookman (Nigeria): Three goals and four assists; the tournament’s most complete attacking midfielder.
- Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal): Crucial goal against Mali, playing with maturity beyond expectations.
- Omar Marmoush (Egypt): Marmoush’s two goals so far in the tournament, including the opener against Ivory Coast that announced his arrival to the big scene.
- Alex Iwobi (Nigeria): Instrumental to almost all Nigeria’s goals in this tournament, Iwobi has been the machinery delivering the “pre-assists” for Lookman, Akor & Osimhen all tournament long; and we could just see the best of Iwobi in Wednesday’s semifinal clash against Morocco.
AFCON 2025: A Tournament Finding Its Rhythm
CAF’s Biennial Showcase Delivering Drama
The semi-finals of AFCON 2025 will be played on Wednesday 14 January, with the competition building towards the final on Sunday 18 in Rabat.
This tournament has delivered everything AFCON promised; shocking upsets, last-minute drama, individual brilliance and tactical sophistication that rivals any continental competition. The quarterfinals eliminated both defending champions Ivory Coast and two-time winners Algeria, confirming that form and belief matter more than historical pedigree.
Morocco’s hosting has been exemplary, with passionate crowds filling stadiums across six cities. The infrastructure has supported world-class football, while the organization has run smoothly despite the logistical challenges of accommodating 24 teams.
The Road to Rabat: Final Predictions
Semifinal 1: Senegal vs Egypt Prediction: 1-1 (Senegal win 3–2 on penalties)
Senegal’s defensive organization and tournament experience give them a slight edge, but Egypt’s attacking quality and Salah’s desperation to finally win AFCON ensures a tight, cagey encounter. Another penalty shootout classic feels inevitable, with Senegal’s mental edge from 2021 proving decisive.
Semifinal 2: Morocco vs Nigeria Prediction: 1–3
The match of the tournament. Morocco’s home advantage meets Nigeria’s perfect record in a tactical chess match that showcases African football’s evolution. Both teams will create chances, but the West-Africans will dominate. Nigeria’s knockout experience and Osimhen’s leadership see them through in regulation time despite the hostile atmosphere.
AFCON 2025 Final Prediction: Senegal 0–3 Nigeria || Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
If these predictions hold, we’ll witness a final between West Africa’s most in-form team in the last decade and the continent’s most in-form team so far in AFCON 2025. Senegal’s experience in finals (having won in 2021 and finished runners-up in 2019) could prove decisive against a Nigeria team seeking their first title since 2013, however the Nigerians have a point to prove; having narrowly missed out on World Cup qualification & boasting of two very recent CAF POTY in their ranks.
The Final Word: Wednesday Will Define Legacies
Sitting here in my room, watching these four nations prepare for their semifinal battles, I’m struck by the weight of expectation each team carries. For Egypt, it’s Salah’s last realistic chance at AFCON glory. In the case of Senegal, it’s translating their hot form into results and establishing a dynasty. The Atlas Lions are looking at delivering continental success to a nation that has waited almost 50 years. For Nigeria, it’s ending 12 years of near-misses and false dawns despite parading an exciting array of talents & stars tournament in, tournament out.
Wednesday’s semifinals won’t just determine who reaches the final. They’ll define careers, establish legacies and provide moments that African football fans will recall for decades. The stage is set. The protagonists are ready. All that remains is for the football to live up to the occasion.
And based on what I’ve witnessed throughout the AFCON 2025 till this point, I have absolutely no doubt that it will.
AFCON 2025 Semifinals – At A Glance
Semifinal 1:
Senegal vs Egypt Venue: Grand Stade de Tanger, Tangier Kick-off: 17:00 GMT (18:00 local / 19:00 Cairo) Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Semifinal 2:
Morocco vs Nigeria Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat Kick-off: 20:00 GMT (21:00 local) Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Third Place Play-off:
Loser SF1 vs Loser SF2 Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026, 17:00 GMT
AFCON 2025 Final:
Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2 Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026, 20:00 GMT
All times GMT. Adjust for your local timezone.