Senegal and Morocco have successfully advanced to the semi-finals of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, hosted in Morocco itself.
This marks a significant achievement for both nations in what has been a highly competitive knockout phase, with the quarter-finals delivering decisive results earlier today.
Senegal secured their spot first in the day’s opening quarter-final clash against Mali, winning 1-0 in Tangier. The lone goal came courtesy of Iliman Ndiaye, who capitalized on a glaring goalkeeping error from Djigui Diarra to tap home from close range in the first half.
The match turned even more in Senegal’s favor when Mali captain Yves Bissouma received a second yellow card right before halftime, reducing his side to 10 men and effectively ending any realistic hopes of a comeback.
Despite some second-half pressure and a few key saves from Edouard Mendy, Senegal held firm to extend their remarkable unbeaten run at the AFCON to 16 matches (11 wins and 5 draws), a streak that underscores their status as one of the tournament’s most reliable and resilient teams in recent editions.
This victory books them a semi-final showdown against the winner of the Egypt vs Ivory Coast quarter-final, and it represents their third semi-final appearance in the last four tournaments — clear evidence of the consistency and depth built under coach Pape Thiaw.
The squad blends seasoned stars like Sadio Mané (who continues to contribute goals and assists) with exciting younger talents such as Lamine Camara, Pape Matar Sarr, and Ibrahim Mbaye, giving them a potent mix of experience, creativity, and dynamism that thrives in high-stakes knockout football.
Later in the evening, host nation Morocco delivered an authoritative 2-0 victory over Cameroon in Rabat to claim their own semi-final berth — their first at the AFCON since 2004.
Brahim Díaz, in scintillating form throughout the tournament, opened the scoring with his fifth goal in as many matches, continuing his red-hot streak and making history as one of the few players to achieve such scoring consistency in a single AFCON edition.
Ismaël Saibari added a second goal in the closing stages, finishing clinically from close range after being left unmarked at the back post. The Atlas Lions dominated possession, pressed high with intensity, and never conceded in open play across the tournament so far, showcasing a balanced, well-organized unit under coach Walid Regragui.
Key figures like Achraf Hakimi (fresh from injury and providing constant threat from right-back) and the creative flair of Díaz have fueled their campaign, while the passionate home support in venues like the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium has added an extra layer of motivation.
This result ends a long-standing hoodoo against Cameroon (whom Morocco had never beaten at AFCON prior) and keeps alive their dream of claiming a first continental title since 1976, especially meaningful on home soil where expectations are sky-high following their impressive 2022 World Cup semi-final run.
Both teams enter the semi-finals (scheduled for Wednesday, January 14) carrying considerable momentum and distinct advantages that could propel them toward the final in Rabat on January 18.
Senegal’s edge lies in their proven knockout pedigree, defensive solidity (anchored by Mendy), and ability to grind out results even when not at their most fluent, as demonstrated against a physical and ill-disciplined Mali side.
Their unbeaten streak and experience in pressure situations make them particularly dangerous against whoever emerges from the Egypt-Ivory Coast tie.
Morocco, meanwhile, benefits enormously from home advantage, an impeccable defensive record, and the electric form of in-form attackers like Díaz, combined with the tactical discipline and belief that comes from playing in front of roaring crowds.
They now await the winner of Algeria vs Nigeria, a matchup that promises fireworks but also opens possibilities for the hosts to capitalize on familiar surroundings and crowd energy.