African giants collide in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

African giants collide in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals

Following Egypt's victory over Ivory Coast yesterday, the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 are set. The matchups feature some of the best teams in Africa.

Following Egypt’s victory over the Ivory Coast yesterday, the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 are set. The matchups feature some of the best teams in Africa.

With a combined twelve AFCON titles among the four semi-finalists, the competition has been intriguing and fierce. Who will advance to the finals in their quest for continental glory?

Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, and Senegal made it through after their matches on Saturday night. Hosts Morocco will play Nigeria, while Senegal will face Egypt.

Both semi-final matches will take place on Wednesday. Egypt secured their spot by beating defending champions Côte d’Ivoire 3-2 in a close match, ending their title defence and setting up a thrilling semi-final against Senegal. Earlier, Senegal earned their place with a 1-0 win over Mali, thanks to Iliman Ndiaye’s goal in a tense match.

Morocco also continued their strong run, winning 2-0 against Cameroon, with goals from Brahim Diaz and Ismaël Saibari. This puts them in a good position for their first continental title in 50 years.

Completing the semi-final lineup is Nigeria, who won 2-0 against Algeria in Marrakech. Victor Osimhen opened the scoring, and Akor Adams secured the win late in the match, bringing Nigeria back to the last four to face Morocco.

These results show how close the matches are at this stage of the tournament, where experience matters.

The semi-finals will happen on Wednesday, January 14, with Senegal playing Egypt and Morocco taking on Nigeria. The final will take place in Rabat on January 18.

Côte d’Ivoire coach Émerse Faé is disappointed after the defeat to Egypt
by Football Sierra Leone

Côte d’Ivoire coach Émerse Faé is disappointed after the defeat to Egypt

Émerse Fae, the coach of Côte d’Ivoire, expressed his frustration after their 3-2 loss to Egypt in the 2025 Cup of Nations quarter-finals. He lamented the mistakes made at crucial moments and the early goals conceded, which put them at a disadvantage.

Mohamed Salah was pivotal for Egypt, scoring and assisting in their dramatic victory. Omar Marmoush opened the scoring early, and Ramy Rabia doubled the lead with a header from a Salah corner. Côte d’Ivoire managed to pull one back just before halftime with an own goal by Fatouh.

After the break, Salah scored again, extending Egypt’s lead to 3-1. Guéla Doué pulled one back for Côte d’Ivoire, but despite their attacking efforts, they couldn’t find an equaliser.

“We are frustrated by tonight’s result. We prepared well to face the Egyptian team, but we made too many mistakes at crucial moments. Those mistakes hurt us the most.

We took time to get into the match. I regret conceding the first goal so early, and the second one too. We reacted well and got back to 2-1 before halftime, but the third goal put us in trouble. It’s tough to explain these lapses in concentration. We will keep working to prepare for the World Cup.”

Salah, named Man of the Match, praised his teammates and highlighted their determination. Egypt’s coach, Hossam Hassan, emphasised their strategy and preparation against the defending champions, expressing pride in their performance despite some mistakes.

Osimhen and Okor Adams on target as Nigeria reach Cup of Nations Semis
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Osimhen and Akor Adams on target as Nigeria set semi-final date with Morocco

Nigeria's Super Eagles maintained their strong performance at the 2025 African Cup of Nations by defeating the Desert Warriors of Algeria 2-0 at the Grand Stadium in Marrakech on Saturday.

The West African side started the game brightly and scored immediately after the break with star striker Victor Osimhen jumping above the Algerian defender to score the first goal.

Nigeria had a great start to the second half! Onyemaechi sent a cross deep into the Algeria box for Osimhen. He soared in the air and headed the ball across the goal, beating the goalkeeper Zidane.

The Super Eagles scored a second goal ten minutes later to strengthen their hold on the match.

Iwobi played a key role by creating the opportunity. The Fulham midfielder passed the ball to Osimhen. Just as it seemed Osimhen would take on the defender, he selflessly passed it to Akor Adams, who rounded the keeper and kicked the ball into an empty net.

The Algerians attempt to break into the game, but Nigeria’s superiority overshadows their attempts, and ultimately, the Super Eagles emerge as the clear victors.

They will now face the 1976 winners and host Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on January 14 as they pursue another Continental title.

Morocco's Brahim Díaz leads Cup of Nations 2025 scoring chart
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco’s Brahim Díaz leads Cup of Nations 2025 scoring chart

Brahim Díaz has extended his lead in the Golden Boot race at the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations after scoring in Morocco's 2-0 quarter-final victory over Cameroon.

With this goal, Díaz now has five goals in five matches, marking him as the tournament’s top scorer.

The win secured Morocco’s spot in the semi-finals, following Senegal’s narrow 1-0 victory over Mali. Ismael Saibari also scored for Morocco, but Díaz’s scoring streak makes him the standout player.

Second on the list is Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen after his goal against Algeria in their quarter-final contest at the Grand Stadium in Marrakech on Saturday.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles maintained their strong performance at the 2025 African Cup of Nations by defeating the Desert Warriors of Algeria 2-0, and Victor Osimhen scored the opener.

Behind them, seven players, including Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman, Côte d’Ivoire’s Amad Diallo, and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, are tied with three goals each. Many players have two goals, while 61 have scored once, reflecting the competitive nature of the AFCON 2025 tournament.

As the tournament approaches its final stages, Díaz’s skill and timing have set him apart from the rest.

AFCON 2025 Top Scorers 

5 goals

  • Brahim Díaz (Morocco)

4 goals

  • Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)

3 goals

  • Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
  • Amad Diallo (Côte d’Ivoire)
  • Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco)
  • Lassine Sinayoko (Mali)
  • Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
  • Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)
Briam Diaz instrumental as host Morocco advance to AFCON semifinals
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Brahim Diaz instrumental as hosts Morocco advance to AFCON semi-final

Morocco enters this quarterfinal matchup after a rollercoaster performance throughout the tournament, knowing that only their best display of resilience and agility will carry them through.

On Friday, they played against Cameroon and started the game strongly. Brahim Díaz and Ismael Saibari scored goals in each half, which helped Morocco reach the semifinals for the first time since 2004.

The hosts’ triumph against Cameroon came on the heels of Senegal’s earlier win over Mali in Tangier, where the former African champions narrowly secured a 1-0 victory against their opponents.

Díaz has been a key player for Morocco, scoring four goals in the tournament. He scored against Comoros, Mali, and Zambia before starting the scoring in the quarterfinals at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Morocco secured their first AFCON semifinal appearance in 22 years with a second goal from Saibari, assisted by Ezzalzouli’s set-piece.

The team managed the final minutes calmly as the crowd cheered. They now await the winner of the Algeria vs. Nigeria semifinal on January 14 as they pursue their first continental title since 1976.