Senegal vs. Egypt: A Continental Clash Reignites in AFCON Semi-Final

The ultimate showdown between African football giants.

The world of African football is set for a thrilling spectacle. Two giants, Senegal and Egypt, will reignite their famous rivalry in the 2025 AFCON semi-final. The high-stakes match takes place in Tangier on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. This isn’t just another game; it’s a battle steeped in history, passion, and the tale of two of football’s biggest stars. Consequently, fans across the globe are eagerly awaiting this epic showdown.

A Rivalry Forged in Fire

The history between the Teranga Lions of Senegal and the Pharaohs of Egypt is incredibly close. Across 15 matches, Egypt holds a narrow lead with seven wins to Senegal’s five. However, in the Africa Cup of Nations, the record is perfectly balanced. Both nations have won twice, with one match ending in a draw.

Infographic showing the head-to-head football statistics between Senegal and Egypt, with a lime green and dark color scheme.

2021 AFCON Final: Senegal made history by winning their first-ever AFCON title. They defeated Egypt in a nail-biting penalty shootout after a goalless draw.
2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Just a month later, they met again. Incredibly, Senegal once more triumphed over Egypt on penalties to secure a spot at the World Cup in Qatar.
2006 AFCON Semi-final: In a reversal of recent fortunes, Egypt beat Senegal 2-1 on their way to winning the tournament that year.

These matches show a clear pattern: when these two teams meet in a knockout game, the winner often goes on to lift the trophy.

The Battle of Titans: Mané vs. Salah

Adding another layer to this contest is the individual duel between Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah. These former Liverpool teammates bring a personal dynamic to the international stage. Their friendship is well-known, but on the pitch, they are fierce competitors for their nations.

Lately, Mané has had the upper hand in these crucial international games. He scored the winning penalty in both the 2021 AFCON final and the World Cup qualifier. On the other hand, Salah, a prolific goalscorer for his club, has surprisingly never scored against Senegal in five attempts. This upcoming match provides Salah with a perfect opportunity to change that narrative.

Beyond the Pitch: A Model of Cooperation

While their football rivalry is intense, the relationship between Senegal and Egypt off the pitch is remarkably strong. In fact, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye described their bond as a “model of fruitful African cooperation.” Egypt was one of the very first nations to recognize Senegal’s independence in 1960.

Abstract image of the Senegalese and Egyptian flags merging, symbolizing their strong bilateral relations, with lime green and dark tones.

This partnership is built on deep historical and cultural ties. Today, both countries work together on many important issues. They cooperate on economic development, infrastructure projects, and security in international forums like the African Union. This mutual respect shows that their fierce competition is reserved for the 90 minutes of the match.

A Legacy on the Line

As Senegal and Egypt prepare to face off once again, more than just a place in the AFCON final is at stake. It’s a chance for Egypt to avenge recent painful defeats. For Senegal, it’s an opportunity to reaffirm their status as the continent’s top team. For Mané and Salah, it’s another chapter in their personal and professional history. Whatever the outcome, this match promises to be a memorable encounter, showcasing the very best of African football to a global audience.