Senegal, at present Africa’s second-ranked workforce simply behind hosts Morocco, are aiming to succeed in their third AFCON last within the final 4 editions. A win right here would additionally see them reclaim the primary spot on the continent.
The Lions of Teranga have began the match strongly, choosing up two wins and a draw within the group stage. Their knockout run has been equally spectacular, with a 3-1 victory over Sudan within the Spherical-of-16 adopted by a hard-fought 1-0 win over Mali within the quarter-finals.
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Softfootball reported that Senegal Edge Previous 10-Man Mali to Guide AFCON 2025 Semi-Last Spot, highlighting their attacking effectivity and defensive resilience.
Eleven targets in 5 matches showcase their firepower, however Senegal’s self-discipline on the again has been equally key they’ve saved three clear sheets and conceded simply twice of their final 5 outings.
Senegal even have a robust latest document in opposition to Egypt, having received three of their final 5 conferences, together with the latest encounter that noticed the Pharaohs eradicated from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Forward of this newest showdown, the fixture was highlighted on Senegal’s official X deal with as a battle between two African giants, with contrasting histories and ambitions, and a spot within the last at stake. The message emphasised readiness, complete focus, depth, and unity, noting that matches of this magnitude are sometimes determined by the best particulars, because the Lions look to push ahead collectively for the nation, the shirt, and their place in historical past.
SEMI-FINAL
Two giants of African soccer. Two tales. Two ambitions. One spot within the last to go declare. The Lions are prepared. Most focus, complete depth, solidarity to the top. In this sort of match, all the things comes right down to the main points. We transfer ahead collectively. For the nation. For the jersey. For historical past.
Egypt, in the meantime, have struggled to attain in opposition to Senegal, netting simply as soon as throughout their earlier 5 conferences. Mohamed Salah evokes Egypt into AFCON semi-final after win over Ivory Coast within the quarter-final, however the Pharaohs nonetheless face a stern problem in opposition to a well-drilled Senegalese aspect.
The Pharaohs’ group-stage marketing campaign mirrored Senegal’s in outcomes, however not in efficiency. Their wins had been slim, needing a stoppage-time purpose to beat Zimbabwe and a penalty to edge South Africa, whereas drawing 0-0 with Angola.
Within the knockout rounds, Egypt wanted additional time to beat Benin and narrowly beat Côte d’Ivoire 3-2 within the quarters, regardless of main 3-1 at one stage. There are clear vulnerabilities in Egypt’s setup that Senegal may exploit.
Staff Information
Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has a full-strength squad at his disposal. Captain Sadio Mane will lead from the entrance, already registering three assists—the second-most within the match thus far.
Iliman Ndiaye scored the decisive purpose within the final match, whereas Nicolas Jackson may return to the beginning XI after restricted sport time in latest fixtures. Pape Gueye has been very important in midfield, offering stability and drive for the Lions.
Egypt will rely closely on Mohamed Salah, who faces his former Liverpool teammate Mane. Salah has 4 targets in 5 matches and is chasing the Golden Boot whereas eyeing Egypt’s joint all-time AFCON scoring document.
Defender Mohamed Hamdi is out with a knee damage, and Ahmed Fatouh is about to fill in, regardless of an personal purpose within the quarter-final. Omar Marmoush, recent off his second purpose of the match, will lead the road for Egypt.
Attainable lineups
Senegal doable beginning XI: Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; Diarra, I. Gueye, P. Gueye; Ndiaye, Jackson, Mane
Egypt doable beginning XI: El Shenawy; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Fatouh; Attia, Fathi, Adel; Salah, Marmoush, Trezeguet
Prediction
Senegal are working like a well-oiled machine, whereas Egypt have struggled to hit their fluent greatest. The Lions of Teranga have had the sting over the Pharaohs in latest conferences, and though this conflict might be tight, Senegal look prone to edge Egypt and safe a spot within the AFCON 2025 last.
The place to look at
The semi-final will kick off at 12pm ET on Wednesday, January 14, with the motion set to unfold on the Tangier Grand Stadium in Tangier, Morocco, and viewers in america will have the ability to comply with the match reside on beIN Sports activities USA.
