The semi-final line-up for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 has been officially confirmed, setting the stage for exhilarating clashes among Africa's traditional football powerhouses. Following a dramatic quarter-final weekend filled with goals, tension, and high drama, Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, and Senegal have secured their coveted spots in the last four.

Hosts Morocco are set to face a star-studded Nigeria side, while Senegal, who were the first to advance, will go head-to-head with seven-time champions Egypt. Both highly anticipated semi-final matches are scheduled to be played on Wednesday, January 14, leading up to the grand final in Rabat on January 18.

Egypt claimed the final place in the semi-finals after a thrilling 3-2 victory over defending champions Côte d'Ivoire on Saturday night. This encounter ended the Elephants' reign and paved the way for a mouth-watering semi-final against Senegal. In this enthralling and action-packed quarter-final, Omar Marmoush put the Pharaohs ahead after just four minutes, ensuring the North Africans were never behind. Ramy Rabia extended Egypt's lead to 2-0 just after the half-hour mark. Despite Ahmed Fatouh's own goal giving the Ivorians hope before half-time, Mohamed Salah quickly restored Egypt's two-goal cushion. Guela Doue's backheeled effort in the 73rd minute set up a grandstand finish, but Côte d'Ivoire could not complete a fairytale comeback. This victory keeps Salah's bid for a first continental crown with his country firmly on track, setting up a revenge match against Senegal, who beat Egypt in the 2021 final.

Earlier in the competition, Senegal had booked their place with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Mali. Iliman Ndiaye's first-half strike proved decisive in a tense West African derby, showcasing the Teranga Lions' tournament maturity as they controlled the contest and protected their slender advantage to reach yet another AFCON semi-final.

Hosts Morocco continue their impressive home campaign and remain firmly on course for a first continental title in 50 years. They secured their semi-final berth with a composed 2-0 victory over Cameroon in Rabat. Goals from Brahim Diaz and Ismaël Saibari underlined the Atlas Lions' attacking quality and defensive balance throughout the match.

Completing the quartet are Nigeria, who dispatched Algeria 2-0 in Marrakech, setting up a blockbuster clash with the hosts. Nigeria dominated the first half without scoring but found their breakthrough within two minutes of the restart when Victor Osimhen headed in the opener. The 2023 African Player of the Year then turned provider for the second goal just before the hour mark, setting up Akor Adams to seal the win for the Super Eagles. Nigeria, runners-up at the last AFCON two years ago, came to Morocco aiming to win a fourth continental title. Despite playing in front of a largely Algerian crowd of 32,452, Nigeria showcased their resolve. Key moments included a close call in the first half when Calvin Bassey's effort was cleared off the line by Ramy Bensebaini, and Adams blazing a shot over the bar from a clean-through position. Osimhen, who had gone seven Cup of Nations matches without scoring before this tournament, now boasts four goals in his last four matches. With 14 goals in total, Nigeria stands as the tournament's top scorer. After Adams made it 2-0, Osimhen unselfishly squared the ball for the Sevilla striker to round the goalkeeper and finish for his second goal in as many games. Tensions briefly flared between the teams on the pitch at full-time, but Nigeria's focus now shifts to Rabat for the semi-final.

The results of the quarter-finals highlight the fine margins at this advanced stage of the tournament, where pedigree and composure have proven to be decisive. After an unpredictable group phase and a fiercely contested Round of 16, the quarter-finals truly marked the point where experience began to tell. As AFCON 2025 moves closer to its climax, the upcoming semi-finals promise more thrilling football and intense competition.