Match Preview for Senegal v Egypt
The business end of the Africa Cup of Nations has arrived, with Senegal and Egypt set to meet in Tangier on Wednesday night for a place in the final.
Currently ranked second in Africa behind hosts Morocco, Senegal are targeting a third AFCON final in the last four editions as they bid to reclaim continental supremacy.
Pape Thiaw’s side impressed during the group stage with two wins and a draw, before navigating the knockout rounds with relative ease.
A 3-1 victory over Sudan was followed by a narrow 1-0 win against Mali in the quarter-finals.
Senegal’s attacking output has been consistent throughout the tournament, but their defensive structure has been just as impressive, conceding only twice and keeping three clean sheets.
Egypt, by contrast, have progressed despite visible vulnerabilities. Their group-stage wins required a stoppage-time goal and a penalty respectively, while extra time was needed to eliminate Benin in the last 16.
The Pharaohs then edged past Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals despite surrendering control after leading 3-1, and they now face a Senegal side that has had the upper hand in recent head-to-head meetings.
Team news for Senegal v Egypt
Senegal are expected to have a fully fit squad available, giving Thiaw a selection headache in several areas of the pitch.
Captain Sadio Mane has been influential throughout the tournament, providing three assists so far, while goals have been spread across the squad, including from Iliman Ndiaye and Pape Gueye.
Nicolas Jackson will push for a return to the starting XI after being unused in two of Senegal’s last three matches, while Kalidou Koulibaly continues to anchor the defence.
Egypt will once again look to Mohamed Salah for inspiration, with the Liverpool forward scoring four goals at the tournament and chasing a place in the AFCON all-time scoring charts.
Defender Mohamed Hamdi is unavailable after sustaining a knee injury against Benin, meaning Ahmed Fatouh is expected to continue at left-back.
Omar Marmoush, who scored against Ivory Coast, is expected to lead the line against a disciplined Senegal defence.
Expected line-ups for Senegal v Egypt
Senegal: Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; Diarra, I. Gueye, P. Gueye; Ndiaye, Jackson, Mane
Egypt: El Shenawy; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Fatouh; Attia, Fathi, Adel; Salah, Marmoush, Trezeguet
How to watch Senegal v Egypt: TV channel, online live stream
Kick-off on Wednesday is at 5pm UK time. In the UK, live AFCON 2025 coverage is on Channel 4’s 4seven, All 4 and YouTube channel. In the USA, beIN Sports is the tournament broadcaster.
Online live streaming is available on a vast range of devices through Channel 4’s website and app and the beIN Sports app.
The stats for Senegal v Egypt
Senegal have scored 11 goals in five AFCON matches
Senegal have kept three clean sheets at the tournament
Egypt have conceded in four of their five AFCON games
Egypt have scored just one goal against Senegal across their last five meetings
Senegal have won three of the last five head-to-head matches
Prediction
Senegal look the more cohesive and balanced side, perhaps giving them the edge. Egypt’s reliance on moments rather than control may be exposed against a well-drilled opponent.
While the contest is unlikely to be open, Senegal’s structure and recent record against the Pharaohs give them the edge to book a place in the AFCON final.https://x.com/CAF_Online/status/2011015367154610504
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