As we stand on January 11, 2026, the semi-finals are just days away, and anticipation is at an all-time high across the continent. Here's everything you need to know about the schedule, matchups, venues, and why these games could define legacies.
Confirmed AFCON 2025 Semi-Final Fixtures
Both semi-finals take place on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 (all times in WAT/GMT – adjust for your local time zone):
- Semi-Final 1: Senegal vs Egypt
- Kick-off: 17:00 GMT (6:00 PM WAT)
- Venue: Grand Stade de Tanger (Tangier Stadium), Tangier
- This is a blockbuster rematch between the 2021 champions (Senegal) and the record seven-time winners (Egypt). Expect Mohamed Salah to lead the Pharaohs' charge against a resilient Teranga Lions side featuring talents like Iliman Ndiaye.
- Semi-Final 2: Nigeria vs Morocco
- Kick-off: 20:00 GMT (9:00 PM WAT)
- Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
- The Super Eagles, powered by Victor Osimhen's goals, face the in-form Atlas Lions in front of a passionate home crowd. Morocco's Brahim Díaz has been on fire, scoring in consecutive games – can Nigeria silence the hosts and reach the final?
These matches follow intense quarter-finals:
- Senegal edged Mali 1-0 (Iliman Ndiaye goal)
- Morocco dominated Cameroon 2-0 (goals from Brahim Díaz and Ismaël Saibari)
- Nigeria powered past Algeria 2-0 (Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams)
- Egypt thrilled in a 3-2 win over Côte d'Ivoire (Mohamed Salah decisive)
Path to the Final and Beyond
- Third-Place Play-off: Saturday, January 17, 2026 – Losers of SF1 vs Losers of SF2 (Kickoff 17:00 WAT, venue, Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca).
- Final: Sunday, January 18, 2026 – Winners of SF1 vs Winners of SF2 at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat (kick-off around 19:00 GMT - 20:00 WAT).
Morocco, as hosts, are favorites to lift the trophy for the first time since 1976, but giants like Nigeria (record semi-final appearances), Egypt (most titles), and Senegal (recent winners) won't go down easily.
The tournament, shifted to December 21, 2025 – January 18, 2026, due to the FIFA Club World Cup, has delivered non-stop drama over the festive period. With stars like Salah, Osimhen, Díaz, and more on show, these semis could produce instant classics!
Who do you think will make the final? Drop your predictions in the comments below – Nigeria's Super Eagles to shock the hosts, or will Morocco roar to glory on home soil? Stay tuned for live updates, predictions, and more on the site!