Nigeria and Senegal challenge Morocco and Egypt in high-voltage semi-finals at the Africa Cup of Nations

SPORTS WRITING (EFE).– The Africa Cup of Nations enters its decisive phase with two semi-finals that promise maximum excitement and high-level football. Nigeria and Senegal, two continental powers, face this Wednesday Morocco, the host and main favorite, and Egypt, the most successful team in the history of the tournament, in search of a place in the grand final on Sunday.

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The Grand Stade de Tanger and Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat will be the stage for a day that will define the two finalists who will fight to succeed Ivory Coast, champion in the previous edition.

Mané and Salah, face to face

The first semi-final will pit Senegal and Egypt against each other, in a match marked by the reunion between Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah, former teammates at Liverpool and now leaders of their respective national teams. Mané, currently in Saudi Arabia, leads the attack for the Lions of Teranga, while Salah, an absolute idol in Egypt, arrives as the second top scorer of the tournament with four goals, only behind the Moroccan Brahim Díaz. Egypt, led by Hossam Hassan, has shown solidity and character after eliminating Ivory Coast and Benin, while Senegal authoritatively overcame Sudan and Mali to remain firm on their path to a second continental crown. Furthermore, the history adds a morbid element: every time these two teams have faced each other in qualifiers, the winner ended up lifting the trophy.

Nigeria Tests the Big Favorite

In the second semi-final, Nigeria will face Morocco in Rabat in a high-voltage duel. The Super Green Eagles arrive as the most forceful team in the tournament, with a full record of victories and an offense led by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. However, they will face a solid Morocco, backed by their public and by a historic generation that was fourth in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Under the direction of Walid Regragui, the Atlas Lions seek their first continental title since 1976 and have left no doubt about their ambition. With figures like Brahim Díaz, Yassine Bono, Achraf Hakimi and Sofyan Amrabat, Morocco wants to impose its favoritism at home and take a step further towards a long-awaited crown.

Semi-final Program

• Senegal vs Egypt – Tangier (18:00 CET / 17:00 GMT)
• Nigeria vs Morocco – Rabat (21:00 CET / 20:00 GMT)

With four African giants on stage and a final at stake, the Africa Cup of Nations promises an unforgettable day marked by rivalry, talent, and the dream of lifting the continental trophy.