Senegal square off against Egypt in an AFCON semi-final clash, with both teams targeting a spot in the final.
Both sides are enjoying a fine campaign and come into Wednesday's clash with similar records in the tournament.
Senegal have made frequent appearances in the latter stages of the AFCON in recent years and played in two of the last three finals, winning in 2021. Pape Bouna Thiaw's side will be keen to progress once again, having maintained an unbeaten record in this year’s tournament.
The Teranga Lions qualified for the semi-final after claiming a 1-0 victory over Mali last time out. Iliman Ndiaye struck the only goal of the game midway through the first half.
Egypt have won a record seven AFCON titles but have struggled to make their mark in recent editions. Their last triumph came in 2010, while they were beaten finalists in the 2021 tournament.
The Pharaohs have been solid this year and are unbeaten after five matches in the tournament. Hossam Hassan's men claimed a 3-2 victory over Ivory Coast to secure a spot in Wednesday's semi-final.
How the bookies view it: Senegal with the edge
Senegal have the edge among the bookies and are priced at 23/20 by Betfred to claim the win. A victory for Egypt is valued at 16/5 by bet365, while a draw is offered at 2/1 by Betfred.
Head to head: Evenly matched rivals
Senegal and Egypt have earned five wins apiece, with two draws from 12 previous matches. Both teams met in the final of the 2021 AFCON, with the Teranga Lions picking up a 1-0 victory.
Players to watch: Red-hot Salah
Mohamed Salah has been the standout player for Egypt, scoring in all four matches he has played so far. The forward will be keen to maintain that run (Mohamed Salah anytime goalscorer – priced at 9/4 by bet365).
Nicolas Jackson often leads the line for Senegal and has scored two goals in the competition. The striker could be worth keeping an eye on (Nicolas Jackson anytime goalscorer – valued at 9/4 by William Hill).
Probable line-ups:
Nicolas Jackson was an unused substitute for Senegal in the quarter-finals and could earn a start on Wednesday. Ndiaye and Sadio Mane should also feature in attack, while Kalidou Koulibaly is set to continue at the back.
Egypt are without defender Mohamed Hamdi, who is sidelined with a knee injury. Salah and Omar Marmoush should continue in attack, while Rami Rabia is set to retain his place at the back.
Senegal: Mendy, Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Jakobs, Gueye, Gueye, Diarra, Ndiaye, Mane, Jackson.
Egypt: El Shenawy, Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Fatouh, Attia, Abdelmaguid, Fathy, Ashour, Salah, Marmoush.
Anything else catch the eye?
There have been goals in both halves in two of Senegal's last five matches (Goal in both halves – available at 11/10 by Paddy Power). Both teams have scored in Egypt’s last two matches (BTTS YES – offered at 23/20 on Ladbrokes).
Three of Egypt's last five matches have produced over 1.5 goals in the second half (Second half over 1.5 goals – set at odds of 13/8 on William Hill).
Think both sides will find the net? Our BTTS Masterclass explains how to spot the fixtures where goals are a given.


GambleAware