AFCON record winners Egypt are one kick and one win away from yet another final in four years. However, a familiar giant in Senegal stands in their path to glory.
Today’s encounter between the Pharaohs and the Lions of Teranga in Tangier is a game made in heaven, promising fire, fearlessness and fine margins with multiple storylines.
After knocking out defending champions Ivory Coast 3-2 in the quarter-finals, Egypt arrived in Tangier full of swagger and belief, riding on the shoulders of history as they chase an eighth continental crown and their first since 2010. They are within touching distance of that enviable record, having played in the finals of 2017 and 2022, where they lost to today’s opponents Senegal on penalties.
In the build-up to the clash, Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan admitted the challenge ahead but expressed confidence in his team.
“The game against Senegal will not be easy, but we are ready. We respect all opponents, and that has been the secret of our success,” he said.
Egypt’s journey has been built on discipline and daring. They are unbeaten in five matches, and Hassan is expected to stick with the same organised counter-attacking approach that stunned Ivory Coast, likely naming an unchanged starting lineup.
On the other side, Senegal will be no pushovers. The Lions of Teranga have bulldozed their way to a record fourth AFCON semi-final and boast a rich attacking arsenal, with Sadio Mané, Ismaïla Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye and Iliman Mbaye forming a strong spine around which the team revolves.
Ahead of the match, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw revealed respect for their opponents while stressing his team’s ambition.
“We are facing a very strong team used to these games, but we are determined to win and reach the final while staying true to our philosophy,” he said.
Senegal edged past Mali 1-0 in the quarter-finals and carry both confidence and scars from previous battles with Egypt, having beaten them on penalties in the 2021 AFCON final and again in World Cup qualification.
Egypt winger Mohamed Trezeguet played down any talk of revenge.
“There is no revenge in football. We treat every game as a final. Senegal will be no different,” he said.
Today’s game also reunites two modern legends of the game, Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah, former Liverpool teammates who shared trophies and history together. Once the whistle blows, friendship will be set aside as pride, prestige and a place in the final are put on the line.
Will Egypt march on to glory, or will Senegal derail the Pharaohs’ dream? Africa’s eyes will be firmly fixed on Tangier for this mouth-watering clash.
By: Andrews Addotey
