The stage is set for a monumental showdown in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as two of the continent’s most successful footballing giants, Senegal and Egypt, go head-to-head in the semifinals. This high-stakes clash, held at the Tangier Grand Stadium in Morocco, is a repeat of the 2021 final, where the Teranga Lions ultimately triumphed over the Pharaohs to claim their first-ever title.
As the tournament reaches its fever pitch, fans around the globe are eager for the details on lineups, officiating teams, and how to watch this historic battle.
Match Details: Kickoff Time & Venue
The semifinal fixture is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Fans in the United States and Canada can tune in at 11:00 A.M. ET (12:00 P.M. ET for some regions), while the local kickoff in Morocco is set for 5:00 P.M. GMT.
- Date: January 14, 2026
- Kickoff Time: 11:00 A.M. ET / 5:00 P.M. GMT
- Venue: Tangier Grand Stadium (Stade Ibn-Batouta), Tangier, Morocco
Official Match Officials: Who is the Referee?
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed a high-profile officiating team to ensure the integrity of this heavyweight encounter. Gabonese referee Pierre Ghislain Atcho will take the whistle for the center.
| Position | Name | Nationality |
| Main Referee | Pierre Ghislain Atcho | Gabon |
| Assistant Referee 1 | Boris Marlaise Ditsoga | Gabon |
| Assistant Referee 2 | Styven Moutsassi Moyo | Congo |
| Fourth Official | Jean-Jacques Ngambo Ndala | DR Congo |
| Reserve AR | Amos Abeigne Ndong | Gabon |
| VAR Official | Peter Waweru Kamaku | Kenya |
| AVAR 1 | Letticia Antonella Viana | Eswatini |
| AVAR 2 | Elvis Guy Noupue Nguegoue | Cameroon |
| Referee Assessor | Inacio Manuel Candido | Angola |
Senegal vs Egypt: Predicted Starting Lineups
Both managers are expected to field their strongest possible XIs. Senegal, managed by Aliou Cissé, relies on a solid defensive foundation and the creative spark of Sadio Mané. Meanwhile, Egypt’s Hossam Hassan (with Diaa Al-Sayed) will look to the talismanic Mohamed Salah to break down the Senegalese wall.
Senegal Probable Lineup (4-3-3 / 4-5-1)
- Goalkeeper: Edouard Mendy
- Defenders: Bouna Sarr, Kalidou Koulibaly (C), Moussa Niakhate (or Abdou Diallo), Saliou Ciss
- Midfielders: Idrissa Gana Gueye, Nampalys Mendy, Pape Gueye, Ismaila Sarr, Sadio Mané
- Forward: Nicolas Jackson (or Famara Diédhiou)
Egypt Probable Lineup (4-3-3 / 3-4-1-2)
- Goalkeeper: Mohamed El Shenawy (or Mohamed Abou Gabal)
- Defenders: Mohamed Hany, Rami Rabia, Mohamed Abdel Monem, Ahmed Abou El Fotouh
- Midfielders: Mohamed Elneny, Hamdy Fathy, Marwan Attia (or Emam Ashour)
- Forwards: Mohamed Salah (C), Omar Marmoush, Mahmoud Trezeguet (or Mostafa Mohamed)
The Battle of the Titans: Mané vs. Salah
The narrative once again centers on former Liverpool teammates Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah. Both players have been in sensational form; Salah has recorded five goal involvements in this tournament, while Mané has been the heartbeat of a Senegal side that has kept four clean sheets.
With a place in the January 18 final at stake, this match is more than just a game—it’s a battle for continental supremacy.