AFCON 2025 Semi-Final Fixtures Confirmed After Dramatic Quarter-Final Night

The semi-final line-up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been confirmed following the conclusion of the quarter-final matches on Saturday night, setting the stage for two blockbuster encounters.

Egypt became the last team to seal a semi-final place after a thrilling 3-2 victory over defending champions Ivory Coast in one of the most entertaining games of the tournament so far. The Pharaohs made a blistering start, racing into a two-goal lead through Omar Marmoush and Ramy Rabia.

Ivory Coast were handed a lifeline just before half-time when an own goal by Ahmed Abou El Fotouh reduced the deficit. However, Egypt quickly reasserted their dominance after the restart, with talisman Mohamed Salah restoring their two-goal cushion seven minutes into the second half. A late strike from Guela Doué proved insufficient as the Elephants bowed out of the competition.

With the dust now settled, Egypt will face Senegal in one semi-final clash, while Nigeria are set to battle tournament hosts Morocco in the other, promising two fiercely contested matches.

Opinion: AFCON Delivers the Drama We Love

This year’s AFCON has once again lived up to its reputation for drama, intensity, and unpredictability. Egypt’s victory over Ivory Coast was not just about goals—it was a reminder of why experience, composure, and clinical finishing matter at this stage of the tournament.

The semi-final fixtures perfectly capture the spirit of African football: history versus hunger. Nigeria’s clash with Morocco pits continental pedigree against home advantage, while Egypt versus Senegal feels like a heavyweight duel between tactical discipline and raw power.

As the tournament reaches its business end, one thing is clear—there are no favourites anymore. Every team left standing has earned its place, and for fans, the promise is simple: more passion, more tension, and football at its very finest.