EPIC AFCON NIGHT SETS UP MOROCCO AND SENEGAL FINAL

It was a semi-final night at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 that’ll be remembered for drama, tension and moments of sheer footballing grit.

By the end of it, Morocco and Senegal had punched their tickets to a mouth-watering final in Rabat.

In the first of the double-header matches in Tangier, defending champions Senegal edged Egypt 1-0 in a tightly contested battle. The match looked like it might go down to nerves and tactical discipline, with both sides cancelling each other out early on.

But in the 78th minute, Sadio Mané found the breakthrough, latching onto a loose ball and curling a composed finish past Egypt’s keeper to send the Senegalese fans into raptures.

Egypt pushed late, hoping for an equaliser and a chance to revive their dream of an eighth AFCON title, but couldn’t break through a stubborn Senegal defence.

Superstar Mohamed Salah was kept largely quiet and will now turn his focus to the third-place play-off.

Later in Rabat, hosts Morocco were taken the distance by Nigeria in a cagey semi-final that ended 0-0 after extra time. Chances were at a premium, and both teams showed bucketloads of defensive discipline.

But when the tie went to penalties, Morocco held their nerve. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerged the hero, producing crucial saves that swung the shoot-out in the Atlas Lions’ favour.

After four successful spot-kicks apiece, Morocco sealed a 4-2 shoot-out win, sparking wild celebrations among the home crowd.

It’s their first AFCON final since 2004 and keeps alive hopes of lifting the title on home soil.

Now, Senegal and Morocco will clash in the championship decider on Sunday in Rabat, while Egypt and Nigeria are set to face off in the third-place play-off on Saturday.

Image credit: Egoli Jozi New