The journey to Rabat is now complete as Senegal and Morocco emerged from a gripping semi-final round to secure their places in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.

In the first semi-final, Senegal faced Egypt in a clash layered with history, nearly four years after the Teranga Lions broke Egyptian hearts in the AFCON 2021 final. That memory appeared to serve as motivation for Egypt, but it was Senegal who gradually took control.

After a goalless first half, Senegal found their breakthrough through a moment of fortune and quality. Lamine Camara’s deflected effort fell kindly into the path of Sadio Mané, who unleashed a powerful half-volley from outside the box. Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy could only watch as the ball deflected off his hands and into the net.

Egypt failed to muster a response, managing their first shot on target deep into stoppage time in the 94th minute. It was another bitter ending for Mohamed Salah and the Pharaohs, whose quest for continental glory suffered yet another setback.

With Senegal through, attention shifted to Rabat, where tournament hosts Morocco locked horns with an in-form Nigerian side.

The second semi-final began cautiously before bursting into life with waves of attacking football from both teams. Nigeria threatened first when Alex Iwobi’s incisive pass set up Ademola Lookman, whose effort forced a sharp save in the opening stages.

Morocco responded in the 39th minute as Ismael Saibari cut inside the box and fired a shot that again required quick reflexes from Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

After the break, the Atlas Lions raised the tempo, dispossessing Lookman in midfield to launch a dangerous counterattack that ended with Abde Ezzalzouli curling a shot that was once more kept out by Nwabali.

As the clock ticked down, the atmosphere inside the stadium became electric, with Moroccan fans urging their side forward. Despite relentless pressure, the deadlock remained, sending the match into extra time and eventually penalties.

The shootout delivered high drama. Nigeria converted their opening kick before Morocco responded in kind. The turning point came when Nwabali saved Hamza Igamane’s effort, briefly silencing the home crowd. However, Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou restored hope by denying Samuel Chukwueze, and later produced another crucial save from Bruno Onyemaechi to put the hosts on the brink.

With history within reach, Youssef En-Nesyri stepped up and calmly converted the decisive penalty, sparking wild celebrations as Morocco reached their first AFCON final in over 50 years.
The stage is now set for a blockbuster showdown. Senegal versus Morocco. Sunday in Rabat.