As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations reaches its decisive semi-final stage on Wednesday, January 14, two blockbuster encounters headline the day — Egypt vs Senegal and Nigeria vs Morocco.

Beyond the battle for a place in the final, discipline will be under intense scrutiny, with 20 players at risk of suspension should they receive a yellow card in the semi-finals.

Senegal top the disciplinary watchlist with seven players walking a tightrope, including captain Kalidou Koulibaly, midfield enforcer Pape Gueye, and attackers Nicolas Jackson and Habib Diallo. Also at risk are Ismail Jakobs, Habib Diarra, and Ibrahim Mbaye, leaving the Teranga Lions vulnerable ahead of their clash with Egypt.

The Pharaohs, meanwhile, have six players under caution, notably first-choice goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, experienced defender Rami Rabia, and midfielder Marwan Attia, all of whom could miss the final if booked.
In the second semi-final, seven players are also one card away from suspension.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles account for four of them — Stanley Nwabali, Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon, and Frank Onyeka — while Morocco will be closely monitoring Bilal El Khannouss, Soufiane Rahimi, and Ismael Saibari.

With the AFCON final just one match away, the threat of suspension adds an extra layer of tension to already high-pressure encounters, where every tackle, challenge, and decision could prove decisive.