The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has delivered an intriguing tournament so far, and only the very best remain in the hunt for a place in the final.
This semi-final lineup features four of the continent’s five highest-ranked nations according to the latest FIFA World Rankings, underlining the quality on display. Many of the teams tipped early in the competition are still firmly in contention, setting the stage for two high-level encounters.
Senegal face Egypt on Wednesday afternoon before Nigeria take on host nation Morocco later that day, and with the stakes at their highest, MRFixtips has identified the most reliable betting angles from both ties.
Senegal vs Egypt: Wednesday, January 14 – 16:00
This semi-final renews one of Africa’s most intense rivalries, as Senegal and Egypt meet again following their dramatic 2021 AFCON final. On that occasion, the Teranga Lions came out on top via penalties, and they later repeated the feat by eliminating Egypt in the 2022 World Cup playoffs.
Senegal’s route to this stage in the ongoing AFCON has been almost flawless, having topped their group with two wins and a draw before brushing aside Sudan and Mali in the knockout rounds. Having exited at the round-of-16 stage in the previous edition, they have already surpassed that mark and will now be eyeing a second AFCON title.
Egypt, meanwhile, remain the tournament’s most successful side, with seven continental titles to their name, although their last triumph came in 2010. The Pharaohs finished top of their group before edging past Benin in extra time in the round of 16, then emerging on the right side of a five-goal thriller against Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals.
This means Egypt have both scored and conceded in seven of their last 10 matches. With Senegal also looking sharp in the final third throughout this tournament, goals at both ends appear likely.
Recommended bet:
- Both teams to score – 23/20 (Ladbrokes)
Nigeria vs Morocco: Wednesday, January 14 – 19:00
Nigeria and host nation Morocco go head-to-head in what promises to be a fiercely contested AFCON semi-final, with both sides carrying genuine belief that this could be their year.
The Super Eagles are three-time continental champions and last lifted the trophy in 2013, while it has been five decades since the Atlas Lions claimed their only AFCON title.
Nigeria remain the only side in the tournament with a perfect record, having breezed through the group stage before dispatching Mozambique and then overcoming Algeria in the knockout rounds. Their campaign has been built on attacking authority, with a tournament-high 14 goals scored so far.
Morocco, meanwhile, have lived up to expectations in front of their home support. They finished top of their group with two wins and a draw before edging past Tanzania in the round of 16 and beating Cameroon in the quarter-finals to reach this stage.
Facing the hosts is never an easy task, but Nigeria have the tools to impose themselves going forward. The Super Eagles have averaged 16.8 shots across their last five AFCON matches, and we expect them to give account of themselves in the final third once more.
Recommended bets:
- Nigeria over 10.5 shots – 4/5 (Bet365)
Adeyeye Oluwapelumi is a sports writer with more than four years’ experience covering football and other global sports. A lifelong Arsenal supporter since 2004, he writes with genuine passion and a sharp eye for the stories that shape the game.
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