The stage is set for a dramatic conclusion to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with the four semi-finalists now confirmed after a weekend of high-stakes quarter-final action. Host nation Morocco will take on Nigeria, while a heavyweight clash sees Egypt pitted against Senegal for a place in Sunday's final in Rabat.
Quarter-Final Drama Sets Up Epic Semi-Finals
The penultimate round was decided in compelling fashion on Saturday. Senegal secured their spot first, dispatching Mali with a 1-0 victory in Tangier. Later, the tournament hosts delivered a performance full of verve at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat, overcoming the considerable challenge of five-time champions Cameroon. The 2-0 win was inspired by Brahim Diaz, the competition's top scorer, who netted his fifth goal in five games.
On Saturday, the final two places were claimed. Nigeria's prolific strike partnership of Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams proved decisive, each scoring to give the Super Eagles a 2-0 win over Algeria. This result denied Morocco a fiery North African derby. The day's other match was a thriller, as Egypt edged out defending champions Ivory Coast 3-2, with a crucial second-half strike from Mohamed Salah making the difference.
Full Fixture Schedule and Kick-Off Times
The final four will battle it out on Wednesday, 14th January 2026, with every match shown live for UK audiences. All times are in GMT.
Semi-Finals
Wednesday, 14 January 2026
Senegal v Egypt | 5:00 PM | Stade Ibn-Batouta, Tangier
Nigeria v Morocco | 8:00 PM | Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, Rabat
Third-Place Play-Off
Saturday, 17 January 2026
Semi-final 1 Loser v Semi-final 2 Loser | 4:00 PM | Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca
The Final
Sunday, 18 January 2026
Semi-final 1 Winner v Semi-final 2 Winner | 7:00 PM | Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, Rabat
Road to the Semi-Finals: Key Results
The journey to the last four has been packed with drama since the tournament began on 21st December 2025. Morocco topped their group after an opening 2-0 win over Comoros and a decisive 3-0 victory against Zambia. Nigeria navigated a tough group featuring a 3-2 win over Tunisia, while Egypt progressed steadily before their epic quarter-final.
In the knockout stages, Senegal saw off Sudan 3-1, Morocco edged Tanzania 1-0, Nigeria thrashed Mozambique 4-0, and Egypt defeated Benin 3-1. The quarter-finals then provided the springboard to the semi-final stage we see today.
The nation will now watch with bated breath as these four African football giants compete for the ultimate prize. Will Morocco win the Afcon trophy on home soil for the first time since 1976, or can Nigeria, Senegal, or Egypt spoil the party? The answers will come this week in Morocco.
