The first semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations pits Senegal against Egypt in a highly anticipated rematch of the 2021 final, where the Teranga Lions claimed the title on penalties. This clash takes place on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 17:00 GMT at Stade Ibn Batouta (also known as Grand Stade de Tanger) in Tangier, boasting a capacity of 75,500. The venue has already hosted Senegal’s successful group and quarter-final outings, giving the Lions a familiar environment. Referee details for this fixture remain unconfirmed in official CAF announcements as of now, but expect a top African official to handle the high-stakes encounter in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final stage.
This blockbuster promises tactical discipline, individual brilliance from stars like Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah, and potential drama given the intense rivalry. Senegal enter as slight favorites due to recent dominance in head-to-heads and solid tournament form, while Egypt seek revenge and an eighth continental crown.
BETTING TIPS AND MATCH INSIGHTS
Senegal vs Egypt prediction today centers on a tight, low-scoring battle shaped by defensive solidity and historical trends. Both sides have shown resilience in knockouts, but recent meetings favor Senegal’s organization. Key factors include motivation, clean sheet potential, and star performers deciding margins. Expect a cautious start before one side exploits a set-piece or counter. This semi-final could hinge on efficiency rather than open play, making value bets lean toward unders and narrow outcomes.
Senegal Results
Senegal have been clinical and resilient en route to the semi-finals, winning four of their last five matches while conceding sparingly. The team under Pape Thiaw has rediscovered winning momentum after a poor title defense previously. They thrive in knockout scenarios with strong leadership from veterans.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 09.01.26 | ACN | Mali vs Senegal | 0-1 | W |
| 03.01.26 | ACN | Senegal vs Sudan | 3-1 | W |
| 30.12.25 | ACN | Benin vs Senegal | 0-3 | W |
| 27.12.25 | ACN | Senegal vs D.R. Congo | 1-1 | D |
| 23.12.25 | ACN | Senegal vs Botswana | 3-0 | W |
Senegal boast four wins in their last five, including three convincing victories by 2+ goal margins. They lead at half-time in most recent successes, showcasing early dominance. Defensive records stand out with multiple clean sheets. Form indicates they peak in pressure moments. Overall, this run builds confidence ahead of the big test.
Egypt Results
Egypt have navigated challenges to reach the semi-finals for the third time in five editions, mixing grit with attacking flashes from Mohamed Salah. Hossam Hassan’s side fixed some issues after early concessions but remain vulnerable at the back. They push for a first title since 2010.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result | Outcome |
| 10.01.26 | ACN | Egypt vs Ivory Coast | 3-2 | W |
| 05.01.26 | ACN | Egypt vs Benin | 3-1 | W |
| 29.12.25 | ACN | Angola vs Egypt | 0-0 | D |
| 26.12.25 | ACN | Egypt vs South Africa | 1-0 | W |
| 22.12.25 | ACN | Egypt vs Zimbabwe | 2-1 | W |
Egypt secured four wins and one draw in their last five, scoring consistently but conceding in most games. They keep clean sheets infrequently lately. High-scoring affairs mark several outings, especially losses. Salah’s contributions drive results. This form shows resilience but defensive fragility persists.
Senegal vs Egypt Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)
The rivalry favors Senegal heavily since 2014, with tight, low-goal affairs dominating.
| Date | Competition | Matchup | Result |
| 29.03.22 | WC | Senegal vs Egypt | 2-0 |
| 25.03.22 | WC | Egypt vs Senegal | 1-0 |
| 06.02.22 | ACN | Senegal vs Egypt | 0-0 (Senegal won on pens) |
| 15.11.14 | ACN | Egypt vs Senegal | 0-1 |
| 05.09.14 | ACN | Senegal vs Egypt | 2-0 |
Senegal won four of the last five encounters, including key penalty triumphs. Twelve of fifteen all-time H2Hs featured under 1.5 goals. Only one saw both teams score. History points to cagey, Senegal-leaning outcomes.
Predicted Lineups for Senegal vs Egypt Football Match
These are the forecasted starting lineups for the semi-final clash between Senegal and Egypt at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, based on recent team selections, form, and tactical preferences under coaches Pape Thiaw and Hossam Hassan. Note that actual formations may vary due to last-minute adjustments, but these projections emphasize Senegal’s balanced tactical approach and Egypt’s attacking setup.
Senegal: Predicted lineup
Mendy (GK), Diatta (DF), Koulibaly (DF), Niakhate (DF), Diouf (DF), Diarra (MF), I.Gueye (MF), P.Gueye (MF), Ndiaye (FW), Jackson (FW), Mane (FW).

Egypt: Predicted lineup
El Shenawy (GK), Hany (DF), Ibrahim (DF), Rabia (DF), Fatouh (DF), Attia (MF), Fathi (MF), Adel (MF), Salah (FW), Marmoush (FW), Trezeguet (FW).

Key Match Insights and Factors to Watch
This semi-final demands attention to multiple layers beyond basic form. Both teams arrive motivated but with contrasting vulnerabilities.
- Senegal maintain a clean bill of health with no reported injuries or suspensions;
- Egypt miss defender Mohamed Hamdy due to a knee injury, weakening left-side defense;
- Sadio Mané (1 goal, 3 assists) leads Senegal’s attack with proven big-game impact;
- Mohamed Salah chases Egypt’s national scoring record while delivering four goals already;
- Senegal’s six of last seven wins came by 2+ goals, showing ruthlessness;
- Egypt conceded in seven of last ten, struggling for consistent clean sheets;
- No major scandals reported, but Egypt vowed to fix defensive errors post-Ivory Coast thriller;
- Senegal’s ten wins in last eleven vs African sides underline current edge.
Free Tips on Senegal vs Egypt
This section delivers practical, data-backed free betting tips tailored to the Senegal vs Egypt semi-final at AFCON 2025. Drawing from head-to-head trends, recent team form, goal patterns, and key statistical insights, these pointers highlight value areas without overlapping core factors like injuries or player specifics. Focus on historical productivity, streaks, and contextual edges to inform smarter decisions for this high-stakes clash.
- Prioritize low-goal expectations: Head-to-head encounters since 2014 have been overwhelmingly cagey, with 12 of 15 all-time meetings under 1.5 goals and only one featuring both teams scoring, pointing to another tight, defensive battle likely staying under 2.5 total goals.
- Lean on Senegal’s recent dominance in rivalry: Senegal have secured four wins from the last five direct clashes (including penalty successes), establishing a clear psychological and tactical upper hand that often translates to narrow victories or clean-sheet outcomes.
- Account for Egypt’s defensive inconsistencies: Egypt have kept clean sheets in just two of their last 11 games while both teams scored in seven of ten recent outings, suggesting vulnerability that Senegal’s efficient attack could exploit without high-scoring fireworks.
- Consider Senegal’s margin trend in wins: Six of Senegal’s last seven victories arrived by two or more goals, reflecting clinical finishing in pressure moments that could see them control and extend leads against an Egypt side prone to conceding.
- Note the venue’s favorable conditions: The hybrid grass pitch at Stade Ibn Batouta supports consistent ball movement and suits Senegal’s disciplined style, especially under mild, partly cloudy weather around 17°C with light winds expected on match day, minimizing disruptions to quality play.
$ 0.00
$ 0.00
Senegal vs Egypt Match Prediction
Senegal vs Egypt odds reflect a close contest, yet Senegal hold the advantage through superior recent H2H dominance, defensive organization, and tournament momentum. They have won four of five against Egypt since 2014, often keeping things tight. Pape Thiaw’s side demands more final-third efficiency but excels in knockouts, leading at half-time frequently and grinding results. Egypt rely heavily on Salah but concede regularly and face a motivated Senegal side on familiar ground. History and form suggest a narrow Senegal win in a low-scoring affair—expect disciplined defending and perhaps a set-piece or counter to decide it. Senegal to progress feels the sharper call.
Our Prediction: Senegal 1-0 Egypt
| Prediction Type | Prediction | Odds |
| Match Result | Senegal to win | 2.14 |
| Total Goals | Under 2.5 | 1.48 |
| Both Teams to Score | No | 1.65 |
You can place your bets on the Senegal vs Egypt match at bc.game.