AFCON Semi-finals: Egypt vs. Senegal preview, kickoff time, how to watch, and team news

Egypt and Senegal face off in the AFCON semi-finals in a clash of the titans, pitting Mohamed Salah against former teammate Sadio Mane. Egypt and Senegal renew their rivalry in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals on Wednesday, January 14, at the Grand Stade de Tanger.

Photo by KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images

Egypt and Senegal face off in the AFCON semi-finals in a clash of the titans, pitting Mohamed Salah against former teammate Sadio Mane.

Egypt and Senegal renew their rivalry in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals on Wednesday, January 14, at the Grand Stade de Tanger.

With a place in the final on the line, both sides will be desperate to take another step toward continental glory.

This fixture is a repeat of the 2022 AFCON final, which Senegal won on penalties. Egypt will be eager to settle that score, while Senegal aim to reach back-to-back finals under coach Pape Thiaw.

Photo by SEYLLOU/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by SEYLLOU/AFP via Getty Images

Game information

The Grand Stade de Tanger in Tangier, Morocco, will host the semi-final. The stadium, with a capacity of 75,000, has been a key venue throughout AFCON 2026, including Senegal’s quarter-final win over Mali.

Sitting in northern Morocco, the stadium’s open design helps create a lively and electric matchday atmosphere – something fans can expect when two of Africa’s biggest football nations collide.

Kick-off time

Kick-off is set for 5 PM local time in Tangier (GMT+1), which is 4 PM in the UK and 11 AM Eastern Time in the US.

Weather forecasts predict mild and partly cloudy conditions, with temperatures around 17°C and light winds – ideal weather for both players and fans.

Where to watch

The match will be broadcast in several regions:

  • Egypt: ONTime Sports, beIN Sports MENA
  • Senegal: RTS1 (Radio Television Senegalaise)
  • UK: E4 (Channel 4), Channel 4 app
  • US: beIN Sports, FuboTV (streaming available)

Team news

Senegal: Pape Thiaw’s side have won all three knockout matches so far. Sadio Mane continues to lead the line, supported by Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye.

Midfielder Pape Matar Sarr is expected to return after missing the quarter-final, while Edouard Mendy keeps his place in goal after a strong showing against Mali.

Egypt: Hossam Hassan’s men will again look to Mohamed Salah, who scored and assisted in the 3–2 win over Ivory Coast.

Mostafa Mohamed and Omar Marmoush are likely to start up front, though Ahmed Hegazi remains a doubt after limping off in the last round. Egypt are unbeaten in five but have conceded in each of their last three matches.

Head-to-head records

Senegal and Egypt have met 15 times, with Senegal holding seven wins, Egypt six, and two draws. Recent meetings include:

  • 2022 AFCON Final – Senegal 0–0 Egypt (Senegal won 5–4 on penalties)
  • 2022 World Cup Qualifier – Senegal 1–0 Egypt (Senegal advanced on penalties)
  • 2014 AFCON Qualifier – Egypt 0–1 Senegal
  • 2014 AFCON Qualifier – Senegal 2–0 Egypt
  • 2006 AFCON Semi-Final – Egypt 2–1 Senegal

While Senegal have had the edge in recent years, Egypt’s knockout experience and seven AFCON titles make this one of the tournament’s most balanced matchups.

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Category: General Sports