Senegal and Egypt are set to reignite one of African football’s fiercest rivalries when they clash in the AFCON 2025 semi-final, in a fixture that echoes the drama of their unforgettable 2021 final.

According to One Football, both nations will once again be led by their iconic forwards, Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah, as they battle for a place in Sunday’s final. The meeting carries extra edge following Senegal’s penalty shootout victory over Egypt in the 2021 AFCON final, which delivered the Teranga Lions their first continental crown. That rivalry deepened during World Cup qualification, when Senegal again edged Egypt on penalties after losing the first leg.

The winners of this semi-final will progress to the final to face either Nigeria or Morocco, while the losing side will contest the third-place match. With elite talents such as Mané, Salah, Iliman Ndiaye, and Omar Marmoush on show, expectations are high for another gripping encounter.

Senegal head into the tie in strong condition, reporting no fresh injury concerns. Edouard Mendy is expected to start in goal behind a settled back line, while tactical rotations remain possible in midfield and attack. Mané is likely to keep his place as Senegal target a fourth clean sheet of the tournament.

Egypt booked their semi-final spot after a dramatic five-goal quarter-final win over Ivory Coast. However, Mahmoud Trezeguet remains doubtful and Mohamed Hamdi is ruled out. Salah and Marmoush, both on the scoresheet in the last round, are expected to feature in Hossam Hassan’s preferred 3-4-1-2 system.

While Senegal are viewed as slight favorites, with predictions leaning towards a narrow 1–0 victory, Egypt will be motivated by the desire for revenge.

Historically, the Pharaohs hold a slim advantage in head-to-head meetings, with seven wins to Senegal’s six, along with two draws — a reminder of just how finely balanced this classic African rivalry remains.