Few rivalries at the Africa Cup of Nations carry the same emotional weight and competitive balance as Senegal versus Egypt.
When these two African heavyweights meet in today’s semi-final in Tangier, it is about far more than a place in the final. It is a clash defined by pride, history, revenge, and an extraordinary pattern that has shaped recent AFCON tournaments.
Head-to-Head at AFCON
This will be the sixth AFCON meeting between Senegal and Egypt, and the rivalry could not be more finely balanced.
AFCON meetings:
Senegal wins: 2
Egypt wins: 2
Draws: 1
Neither side has been able to establish dominance at the tournament, underlining just how evenly matched this rivalry has been over nearly four decades.
A Rivalry 40 Years in the Making
The AFCON story between these two nations began in 1986, when Senegal defeated hosts Egypt 1–0. Egypt later responded with group-stage victories in 2000 and 2002, before edging a tense semi-final in 2006.
However, Senegal delivered the most painful blow of all in the 2021 AFCON final, which ended goalless after extra time. The Lions of Teranga held their nerve in the penalty shootout to claim their first-ever AFCON title, breaking Egyptian hearts in the process.
When Senegal and Egypt Meet, Champions Are Crowned
One remarkable statistic elevates this semi-final even further:
The winner of a Senegal vs Egypt knockout match has always gone on to win the AFCON title.
2006: Egypt beat Senegal in the semi-final → went on to lift the trophy
2021: Senegal beat Egypt in the final → lifted their maiden AFCON crown
History suggests that today’s winner may be destined for African football glory once again.
Overall Record (All Competitions)
Across all competitions, Egypt hold only a slight edge:
Egypt wins: 7
Senegal wins: 6
Draws: 2
Yet recent high-pressure encounters tell a different story. Senegal have beaten Egypt on penalties in:
the 2021 AFCON final
the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, knocking the Pharaohs out in Cairo
Salah vs Mané: A Duel That Defines an Era
No Senegal–Egypt clash is complete without the spotlight falling on Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané.
Former Liverpool teammates, their international rivalry has produced unforgettable moments:
Salah has faced Senegal five times and is yet to score against them
Mané has scored once and has enjoyed greater success overall
At this AFCON:
Salah: 5 goal contributions
Mané: 4 goal contributions
Both remain central to their teams’ attacking identity, creativity and belief.
Form & Records Going Into the Semi-Final
Senegal arrive unbeaten in 16 AFCON matches, underlining their status as reigning champions and one of the most consistent sides on the continent.
Egypt boast a fearsome semi-final pedigree, having reached the final in 9 of their previous 13 AFCON semi-finals, and they have not failed to progress at this stage since 1984.
What’s at Stake
It has been 20 years since Egypt last beat Senegal in an AFCON semi-final. Tonight, history, momentum and belief collide once more.
One nation will move a step closer to African football immortality.
The other will be left to wonder what might have been.
Referee: Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea (Ghana).
Assistant Referee 1: Zakhele Thusi Granville Siwela (South Africa).
Assistant Referee 2: Souru Phatsoane (Lesotho).
Assistant Referee 3: Arsenio Chadreque Maringule (Mozambique).
Fourth Official: Samuel Uwikunda (Rwanda).
VAR: Abongile Tom (South Africa).
Assistant VAR 1: Haythem Guirat (Tunisia).
Assistant VAR 2: Stephen Onyango Yiembe (Kenya).
Referee Assessor: Lidya Tafesse Abebe (Ethiopia).
Probable lineups for Senegal vs Egypt
Senegal expected lineup: Mendy, Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhate, Diouf, Diarra, I. Gueye, P. Gueye, Ndiaye, Mane, Jackson
Egypt expected lineup: El Shenawy, Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Fatouh, Attia, Fathi, Adel, Salah, Marmoush, Trezeguet