It's finally down to the final four teams at this 2025/2026 CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
West-African giants Senegal, Nigeria squaring up against the best from North Africa - Morocco and Egypt.
Morocco, the host nation, with their deep squad and home advantage are seeking a first AFCON title since 1976. Nigeria last won the trophy in 2013, they are closely followed by Senegal, who won this competition in 2021.
North African rivals Egypt are also highly fancied, as they will enjoy a familiar environment and huge fan support due to proximity to the host nation.
All contenders possess proven tournament pedigree: Egypt are record 7-time AFCON winners and were finalists in 2017 and 2021, while Senegal won in 2021 after a 2019 final appearance. Morocco are also former champions. The Super Eagles, who are three-time champions, have won more AFCON medals than any other country in the continent, and are also runner-up from the last AFCON competition in Ivory Coast.
Nigeria vs Morocco
Morocco are overwhelming favorites to win the AFCON trophy due to their home advantage, and definitely a hot pick for every online bookmaker this year, but Nigeria’s depth, pace, and ability to produce decisive moments in tight games may also give the Super Eagles the edge. In a matchup likely decided by small margins, Nigeria’s attacking options and tournament experience could be the difference and this will be a very interesting game for neutrals.
Nigeria have been the standout team at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 with amazing attacking play from the two former African player of the year, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, the new boy on the block Akor Adams of Sevilla have also been shinning bright in the tournament.
After cruising past Algeria in the quarter-finals to secure a semi-final spot, where they face host nation Morocco on Wednesday (14 January), Nigeria now enter the final stages as strong favourites to lift the trophy in Morocco.
Victory would give them their fourth AFCON title, drawing them level with Ghana as the nations with the third-most championships, and if you want to cast your tent with Nigeria, with Secretbet Nigeria you can explore different betting options.
Morocco however also possess weapons that should worry Nigeria, their star boy Brahim DÃaz is arguably the player of the tournament so far with a goal in every game so far in the competition.
And we can't also forget the quality of PSG's Achraf Hakimi, who is also the current African Player of the year
Senegal vs Egypt
Just like the other semi-final game, this game is a good example of 'A final before the final'.
Egypt and Senegal, is also a repeat of the 2022 final, which the Lions of Teranga won on penalties.
Egypt’s pedigree is undeniable, but Senegal’s recent consistency, physical presence, and defensive stability suggest they are better equipped to manage the modern AFCON game. In a close contest, Senegal’s balance across the pitch points to progression.
Senegal, ranked second in Africa and 19th in the world, were seen as the biggest threat to Morocco before the tournament and stand one game away from a third final appearance in four editions.
They have an experienced side, which includes Mane, who will come up against his old Liverpool teammate, Salah.
Their presence means the last five players to win the African Player of the Year prize are all in the semifinals.
Salah, who, like Osimhen, has four goals at the tournament, has never won AFCON, having twice been a losing finalist.
He came to Morocco having fallen from favour at his club, but seems to have found happiness again with his national team as he looks to fire Egypt to a record-extending eighth title.
If you are into Football betting the AFCON semi-finals provide punters with very high odds to explore and secretbet.com is one of the best options. We recommend comparing prices across multiple sites to ensure you get the best value for your bet.
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