Senegal Faces Egypt in AFCON Semi-Final Showdown
Tanger, Morocco – January 14, 2026 – Senegal and Egypt clash in a highly anticipated semi-final of the Africa Cup of Nations at Grand Stade de Tanger, with both teams vying for a spot in the final. This matchup revives a storied rivalry, featuring stars like Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah, and promises an intense battle on the pitch.
Historical Rivalry
The rivalry between Senegal and Egypt dates back decades, with the two nations having met multiple times in major tournaments. Notably, Senegal defeated Egypt in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final via penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw, securing their first-ever AFCON title. Egypt, the most successful team in AFCON history with seven titles, seeks revenge and an eighth crown. In World Cup qualifying, Senegal advanced past Egypt in 2022 after another penalty shootout victory following a 1-1 aggregate draw.
Head-to-Head Record
Senegal and Egypt have faced each other in eight matches since 2005. Senegal has won three, Egypt three, and two ended in draws. In AFCON-specific encounters, Senegal leads with three wins, Egypt two, and no draws. Overall, Senegal has scored seven goals, Egypt three.
Key Facts / Stats
| Statistic | Senegal | Egypt |
|---|---|---|
| AFCON Titles | 1 (2021) | 7 (1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010) |
| Matches Played | 8 | 8 |
| Wins | 3 | 3 |
| Draws | 2 | 2 |
| Goals Scored | 7 | 3 |
| Goals Conceded | 3 | 7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the match?
The semi-final takes place on January 14, 2026, at 5:00 PM UTC (17:00 UTC) at Grand Stade de Tanger in Tanger, Morocco.
Who are the key players to watch?
For Senegal, Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Nicolas Jackson are expected to lead. For Egypt, Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, and Yasser Ibrahim are crucial.
What is the significance of this match?
The winner advances to the AFCON final, potentially securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup if not already qualified. Egypt aims for a record eighth title, while Senegal defends their 2021 crown.