Old foes Egypt and Senegal will meet for a sixth time at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as the two sides face one another in the semifinals at the Grand Stade de Tanger in Tangier on Wednesday. Kick-off is at 7pm CAT, live on SuperSport.
CURRENT FORM
Both teams claimed top spot in their respective groups with seven points, each managing two wins and one draw in their three group games.
Egypt has shown its scoring threat in the knockout stage, netting six goals in two games. The Pharaohs barrelled over Benin with a 3-1 win in the round of 16 before narrowly edging reigning champions Ivory Coast 3-2 in the quarterfinals.
The Pharaohs will have to do without left-back Mohamed Hamdy, who has been ruled out with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury suffered in the round of 16.
The Lions of Teranga also won their round of 16 fixture 3-1, overcoming Sudan, before beating Mali 1-0 in a tightly contested quarterfinal.
The two sides have faced one another five occasions at the continental showpiece with their last clash coming in the 2021 final where, after remaining goalless through open play, Senegal claimed its first title, winning 4-2 on penalties.
Having been denied an eighth title by the Lions of Teranga in 2021, the Pharaohs will be motivated to take revenge enroute to a record 10th final appearance at the tournament.
Returning to the semifinals for the first time since 2021, Senegal will be looking to continue its quest for a second title and will be keen to prove its metal against an old foe.
WHAT WAS SAID
Speaking after his man-of-the-match performance against Mali, Senegal and Everton star Iliman Ndiaye oozed confidence ahead of the semifinals.
"We played very well, and it shows that we are improving match after match,” he said.
"I am confident that my colleagues and I will focus on the next match to play at our best level and deliver for our fans."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Egypt - Mohamed Salah has been instrumental to Egypt’s success, creating 12 chances, scoring four goals and providing one assist in four games at the tournament. The Liverpool winger will look to continue his form in front of goal.
Senegal - Sadio Mané is still thriving at AFCON, having created the joint-most chances at this edition with 14. He has provided three assists and bagged one goal in five games and will be looking to push his side to a second final in three editions.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Egypt wins: 7
Senegal wins: 5
Draws: 3