The last games of AFCON 2025 quarter-finals delivered the drama, tension, and emotional swings that have long defined Africa’s most unpredictable football tournament. On a gripping night in Morocco, Nigeria national football team dismantled Algeria national football team 2-0 in Marrakech, while Egypt national football team survived a five-goal thriller against defending champions Ivory Coast national football team in Agadir.
Played out before passionate crowds in Morocco’s gleaming stadiums, the results have shaped a heavyweight semi-final lineup. Senegal national football team face Egypt in Tangier, while hosts Morocco national football team meet Nigeria in Rabat on January 14. The road to the final now narrows, and only four giants remain standing.
Nigeria 2-0 Algeria: Control, Authority, and a Statement Performance
Nigeria’s victory over Algeria marked a statement moment for the Super Eagles. Finalists at the last AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, where they fell just short, Nigeria produced a performance defined by composure, tactical discipline, and clinical finishing. These were clear signals of a side determined to go one step further this time.
The first half unfolded as a tactical chess match. Algeria defended deep and intelligently, with Ramy Bensebaini producing a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Calvin Bassey during the first half. Chances were limited, space was contested, and neither side found rhythm before the break.
The second half, however, belonged unmistakably to Victor Osimhen, who continues to stamp his authority on the tournament. In the 47th minute, the Nigeria forward rose above his marker and sent a firm header beyond the goalkeeper, delivering the breakthrough Nigeria’s probing play had long threatened. Ten minutes later, Osimhen turned provider, sliding a measured pass to Akor Adams for a simple finish that effectively ended the contest.
Algeria, despite the creative presence of Riyad Mahrez, registered three shots on target over the course of the match. The Super Eagles finished with 58 percent possession and rarely looked troubled once ahead.
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle praised his side’s “clinical edge,” while Algeria’s Vladimir Petković was left to rue a first half that, on another night, might have shaped the tie differently. For Nigeria, this was a measured, mature, and timely performance.
Egypt 3-2 Côte d’Ivoire: Survival, Spirit, and a Champion’s Response
Nigeria won through control, while Egypt progressed after a resilient performance. The Pharaohs were pushed to the edge by defending champions Côte d’Ivoire, yet once again demonstrated the fighting spirit that has defined their seven-time championship history.
Egypt fell behind early when Sébastien Haller capitalised on defensive confusion in the 12th minute. The response was swift. Marwan Attia levelled the contest with a thunderous long-range strike, before Yasser Ibrahim headed Egypt into the lead from a corner just before halftime.
Côte d’Ivoire refused to fade. Playing with the urgency of champions facing elimination, they drew level in the 55th minute through Franck Kessié, converting from the penalty spot after a handball in the box. The match’s decisive moment followed shortly after, when Ghislain Konan received a second yellow card in the 65th minute, reducing the Ivorians to ten men.
Egypt seized the moment. In the 72nd minute, Mohamed Salah, the Pharaohs’ talisman and all-time leading scorer, calmly converted a penalty after Mahmoud Trezeguet was fouled. Côte d’Ivoire pressed late, but Mohamed El Shenawy preserved the victory with a crucial stoppage-time save, sealing Egypt’s passage and ending the champions’ title defence in dramatic fashion.
Semi-Finals in Focus: Style, History, and Fine Margins
The semi-final pairings now present compelling contrasts in style, form, and circumstance.
Senegal vs Egypt
Senegal remain unbeaten through five matches, built on defensive solidity and collective organisation that have made them one of the tournament’s most difficult sides to break down. Their structure is complemented by the creative influence of Sadio Mané and Iliman Ndiaye, whose solo effort decided the quarter-final against Mali.
Egypt enter the semi-final following a series of knockout matches in which Mohamed Salah’s goals played a central role. Senegal arrive unbeaten and structurally organised, while the sides’ most recent AFCON final meeting in 2021 provides historical context as they face each other again.
Morocco vs Nigeria
Morocco’s meeting with Nigeria pits one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacks against home advantage and tactical discipline. The hosts have thrived under partisan support, brushing aside Cameroon 2–0 in the quarter-finals with goals from tournament top scorer Brahim Díaz and Ismael Saibari. Ten goals scored and just two conceded point to a side in complete harmony, blending flair with defensive steel.
Nigeria counter with Osimhen’s predatory instincts and Ademola Lookman’s creativity, a partnership that dismantled Mozambique in the round of 16. Morocco’s intensity and home support present a demanding test for Nigeria’s defensive organisation, particularly in a semi-final played in Rabat.
The Road Ahead
Form suggests finely balanced tactical battles in both semi-finals. Senegal’s defensive consistency stands against Egypt’s ability to endure under pressure, while Morocco’s home advantage and tactical sophistication under Walid Regragui will test Nigeria’s growing confidence and firepower.
But this is AFCON, where reputations count for little once the whistle blows. Côte d’Ivoire’s elimination is the latest reminder that defending champions can fall as quickly as outsiders can rise.
As the tournament enters its final week, four of Africa’s football heavyweights remain. Senegal seek to defend their 2021 crown, Egypt chase an eighth title, Morocco aim to crown a golden era with continental glory, and Nigeria hunger for a fourth star. The semi-finals will determine which of these narratives endure and which fade into AFCON’s rich archive of what-ifs.
For now, the road to Rabat runs through Tangier and back again, with African football’s ultimate prize waiting at the end.
