Football fans are in for a treat as two African giants, Senegal and Egypt, prepare to battle for a place in the Africa Cup of Nations final. The highly anticipated semi-final clash promises high stakes and world-class talent, with Liverpool's Mohamed Salah aiming to lead Egypt to glory against a formidable Senegalese side.
Match Details: When and How to Watch
The crucial Africa Cup of Nations semi-final between Senegal and Egypt is scheduled for Wednesday 14 January 2026. The action kicks off at 5pm GMT at the Stade Ibn-Batouta in Tangier, Morocco.
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the good news is that the match will be broadcast free-to-air. Coverage begins at 4:30pm on E4, giving fans a half-hour build-up to the big game. Alternatively, you can stream the entire AFCON semi-final live online via the Channel 4 streaming service.
Team News and Predicted Line-Ups
Senegal, known as the Teranga Lions, head into the match with a fully fit squad. They will look to captain and talisman Sadio Mane for inspiration, who has already provided three assists in the tournament. Everton's Iliman Ndiaye, who scored the opener in their quarter-final win, remains a key threat alongside Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson.
For Egypt, the hopes of a nation rest once again on the shoulders of Mohamed Salah. The Pharaohs are chasing their first AFCON title since 2010 and will need another heroic performance from their star man. Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush, buoyed by his goal in the thrilling quarter-final victory over defending champions Ivory Coast, is another major attacking outlet. The side will, however, be without defender Mohamed Hamdi, who continues to recover from a knee injury.
Predicted Senegal XI: Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf; Diarra, Gueye, Camara; Ndiaye, Jackson, Mane.
Predicted Egypt XI: El Shenawy; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Fatouh; Attia, Fathy, Abdelmaguid; Salah, Marmoush, Trezeguet.
Road to the Semi-Final and What's at Stake
Egypt booked their place in the last four with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Ivory Coast in Agadir, a match where Salah's goal proved decisive. Senegal, meanwhile, enjoyed a more straightforward passage, dispatching Mali in convincing fashion during their quarter-final encounter.
The winner of this epic Senegal vs Egypt showdown will advance to Sunday's final in Rabat. There, they will face the victor of the other semi-final between host nation Morocco and free-scoring Nigeria, setting the stage for a spectacular conclusion to the tournament.
