The business end of the Africa Cup of Nations has arrived, with Senegal and Egypt set to renew their fierce rivalry when they clash in the semi-finals on Wednesday.
Both sides have enjoyed impressive campaigns so far, winning four of their five matches at the tournament.
However, while the results may appear similar on paper, the performances suggest two teams arriving at this stage in contrasting form.
Match Preview
Currently ranked second in Africa, just behind hosts Morocco, Senegal will be aiming to reach their third AFCON final in the last four editions as they look to reclaim continental supremacy.
Pape Thiaw’s side made a solid start in the group stage, recording two wins and a draw, before stepping up a gear in the knockout rounds.
The Lions of Teranga eased past Sudan with a 3-1 victory in the round of 16 before edging out Mali 1-0 in a tightly contested quarter-final.
Senegal’s attacking output has been eye-catching, with 11 goals scored in five matches, but their defensive solidity has been just as impressive. They have kept three clean sheets during the tournament and have conceded only twice.
Recent history also favours the West Africans, who have won three of the last five meetings with Egypt, including their most recent encounter, which saw Senegal eliminate the Pharaohs from World Cup contention in 2022.
Egyptian head coach Hossam Hassan will be concerned by his side’s struggles against Senegal in recent years, having scored just one goal across the last five head-to-head meetings.
The seven-time champions mirrored Senegal’s group-stage record with two wins and a draw, though their victories were far from convincing.
A stoppage-time winner was needed against Zimbabwe, while a penalty proved decisive against South Africa, before a goalless draw with Angola.
Egypt required extra time to overcome Benin in the round of 16 and were pushed hard by Côte d’Ivoire in the quarter-finals, narrowly winning 3-2 despite once holding a two-goal advantage.
There are clear vulnerabilities within the Egyptian setup that Senegal will be keen to exploit.
Team News
Senegal appear to have a fully fit squad at their disposal, giving Thiaw the luxury of selection ahead of this crucial encounter.
Captain Sadio Mané will once again be central to Senegal’s hopes, having registered three assists so far the most for his country at the tournament.
Goals have been spread throughout the squad, with Iliman Ndiaye scoring the winner in the quarter-final, while Nicolas Jackson will be pushing for a starting role after limited minutes recently.
Pape Gueye’s brace against Sudan underlined his importance, and he is expected to play a key role in midfield.
For Egypt, all eyes will be on Mohamed Salah, who will come up against his former Liverpool team-mate Mané.
Salah has four goals at the tournament and is just one strike away from becoming Egypt’s joint all-time top scorer at AFCON finals.
Defender Mohamed Hamdi is ruled out after suffering a knee injury against Benin, meaning Ahmed Fatouh is likely to continue at left-back despite scoring an own goal in the quarter-final.
Omar Marmoush, who found the net against Côte d’Ivoire, is expected to lead the line.
Possible Starting Lineups
Senegal: Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhaté, Diouf; Diarra, I. Gueye, P. Gueye; Ndiaye, Jackson, Mané
Egypt: El Shenawy; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Fatouh; Attia, Fathi, Adel; Salah, Marmoush, Trezeguet
