AFCON semi-final day in Morocco as Egypt battle Senegal, Nigeria face Morocco

By Tosin Omojola –

It is decision day for the last four teams at the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), as the semi-final games take centre stage today.

The quartet of Egypt, Senegal, Nigeria and Morocco will file out, aiming for tickets to Sunday’s final.

The first semi-final encounter, billed to hold at the Grand Stade de Tangier, will see the Teranga Lions of Senegal renew their rivalry against the Pharaohs of Egypt.

Sadio Mané will lead the Senegalese Lions against the Egyptians, who will be led by his former Liverpool team-mate, Mohamed Salah.

The second semi-final, to be staged at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, pits the free-scoring Super Eagles of Nigeria against the defensive-minded hosts, the Atlas Lions of Morocco.

It is the first contest between both sides in 22 years, their sixth AFCON clash and the second time they will be meeting in an AFCON semi-final.

Super Eagles coach, Eric Sekou Chelle, admitted at Tuesday’s pre-match conference ahead of the semi-final tie that his side will be facing its toughest opposition since the tournament kicked off.

“Each match that passes is a bigger test than the one before,” he added, saying his team will play today’s game as if it is the last match.