||By Christopher Ayeni
AFCON 2025: Senegal, Morocco, Nigeria and Egypt Reach Semi-Final
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco produced thrilling quarter-final action as Senegal, Morocco, Nigeria and Egypt booked their places in the semi-finals. Goals, red cards and standout individual performances defined a dramatic round of matches that narrowed the title race to four teams, setting up mouth-watering semi-final clashes.
Senegal vs Mali
Senegal and Mali faced off in a tightly contested quarter-final clash, with both sides showing discipline and intensity in a match decided by a lone goal margin. The encounter lived up to its billing, producing moments of quality and resilience before Senegal eventually secured a semi-final place, after Iliman Ndiaye’s 27th minute strike. Yves Bissouma was given his matching orders after a crunch tackle in the 43rd minute.
Cameroon vs Morocco
Cameroon and Morocco delivered a high-stakes quarter-final showdown as two African heavyweights battled for progression. Tactical discipline and defensive organisation on the path of the Moroccans defined the contes. Brahim Diaz scored from Ayoub El Kaabi’s powerful header in the 26th minute, before Ismael Saibari doubled their lead in the 74th minute, to ensure there is no scare from the Cameroonians. Real Madrid’s winger, Brahim Diaz is having a wonderful tournament, after scoring his fifth goal in the fifth consecutive match in this campaign.
Nigeria vs Algeria
It was a battle of the greatest green, as Nigeria recorded a convincing 2–0 victory over Algeria in their quarter-final encounter to secure a place in the semi-finals. The Super Eagles showed control and efficiency across the pitch, taking as many chances they could. Goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams in the 47th and 57th minutes respectively, guaranteed Nigeria’s place in the semi-final. The result ended Algeria’s campaign while ultimately confirming Nigeria as one of the final four teams still in contention for the AFCON title.
Egypt vs Côte d’Ivoire
Egypt and Côte d’Ivoire went head-to-head in a closely fought quarter-final clash as both sides pushed for a place in the semi-finals. Goals from Omar Marmoush, Rami Rabia and Mohamed Salah sealed it all for the Pharos of Egypt in a thrilling encounter.
As it stands, Nigeria faces host nation Morocco, while Senegal plays Egypt for a place in the final, set to take place on January 14.
