By Issah Olegor
The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 enters its decisive phase on Wednesday, January 14, as four of Africa’s most accomplished football nations battle for a place in the final of the continent’s flagship tournament.
Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal and host nation Morocco have emerged from a gruelling knockout campaign to book their places in the semi-finals, setting the stage for two high-profile encounters that promise drama, intensity and quality.
The semi-final line-up was confirmed after a dramatic quarter-final round that underlined both the fine margins and high standards that define AFCON football.
Africa’s most successful nation, Egypt, sealed its place in the last four with a hard-fought 3–2 victory over defending champions Côte d’Ivoire on Saturday night.
In a pulsating contest, the Pharaohs showed composure and belief to knock out the title holders, once again demonstrating their pedigree and experience in knockout football.
Nigeria also progressed on Saturday, securing a disciplined 2–0 win over Algeria in Marrakech.
After a tense and evenly balanced first half, the Super Eagles asserted themselves through Victor Osimhen, whose breakthrough goal rewarded Nigeria’s attacking intent.
As Algeria pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Nigeria remained organised and lethal on the counter-attack, sealing the result late on through Akor Adams to end Algerian resistance and book a semi-final clash with the hosts.
Senegal were the first side to reach the semi-finals after edging past Mali 1–0 in a fiercely contested West African derby on Friday.
Iliman Ndiaye’s first-half strike proved decisive, as the former champions displayed tactical discipline and maturity to protect their narrow lead.
Host nation Morocco completed the semi-final quartet with a commanding 2–0 victory over Cameroon.
Goals from Brahim Diaz and Ismaël Saibari guided the Atlas Lions past the Indomitable Lions, keeping alive Morocco’s hopes of winning the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil—a feat that has ignited nationwide excitement.
The quarter-final stage marked a turning point in the competition, following an unpredictable group phase and a demanding round of 16 that eliminated several contenders.
Eight teams entered the quarter-finals with dreams of continental glory, but only four survived the intense battles to remain on course for the coveted AFCON trophy.
Wednesday’s semi-finals will see Egypt take on Senegal in a renewal of one of African football’s fiercest rivalries, while Morocco face Nigeria in a blockbuster encounter expected to light up the stadium under the Moroccan night.
The winners of these matches will advance to the final scheduled for January 18 in Rabat, where the 2025 African champion will be crowned.
