The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has reached its fever pitch as four continental giants—Senegal, Egypt, Nigeria, and host nation Morocco—gear up for semifinal showdowns on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. With a coveted spot in the final at stake, anticipation is sky-high across the continent and beyond. Football fans are in for a treat, as both matches are set to be broadcast live and free in the UK, courtesy of Channel 4’s E4, with additional streaming options available online. The drama, the tension, and the sheer unpredictability of AFCON are about to hit new heights!
First up, at 5 p.m. UK time, Senegal face off against Egypt at the Grand Stade de Tanger in Tangier. Later in the evening, at 8 p.m., Nigeria take on Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. These two clashes bring together some of the brightest talents in African football, with each squad boasting attacking firepower, defensive resilience, and a hunger to etch their names into AFCON folklore.
Senegal’s path to the semifinals has been a mix of clinical finishing and moments of vulnerability. Their recent 3-1 quarterfinal victory over Sudan showcased their offensive prowess, but Ed Dove, a respected analyst, warned, “slow beginnings won’t go unpunished against stronger sides.” The return of Pape Matar Sarr—who missed the quarterfinal—could provide a timely boost in midfield, though his fitness remains under close watch.
Manager Aliou Cissé will be counting on a star-studded attacking trio: Sadio Mané, Ismaïla Sarr, and Iliman Ndiaye. Mané, a household name across Europe and Africa, brings not just flair but also the experience of delivering on the biggest stages. Ismaïla Sarr’s pace and directness can unsettle any defense, while Ndiaye’s creativity links midfield and attack with seamless fluidity. Senegalese supporters will be hoping these three can combine to devastating effect against a resolute Egyptian backline.
Egypt, meanwhile, have had to navigate their own set of challenges. The Pharaohs’ talisman, Mohamed Salah, has been in sparkling form, having both scored and assisted in their previous match. However, the defense could be stretched thin, with veteran center-back Ahmed Hegazi limping off in the quarterfinal and now a major doubt for the semifinal. Hegazi’s absence would be a blow, given his leadership and aerial dominance, but Egypt’s squad has shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity throughout the tournament.
Coach Rui Vitória will likely turn to other defensive stalwarts to contain Senegal’s attack, while trusting Salah to provide the magic up front. The Liverpool star’s ability to turn a match on its head with a single moment of brilliance is the stuff of legend, and fans across Egypt will be pinning their hopes on his shoulders once again.
The second semifinal sees Nigeria, brimming with attacking intent, square off against Morocco, the tournament hosts and favorites. Nigeria’s run to the last four has been characterized by explosive forward play and tactical discipline. However, they’ll be forced to make changes, as midfield linchpin Wilfred Ndidi is suspended after picking up a booking for time-wasting in the quarterfinal. Raphael Onyedika is tipped to step in, tasked with anchoring the midfield in Ndidi’s absence.
Injuries continue to test Nigeria’s depth. Bright Osayi-Samuel, who limped off during the quarterfinal, is a doubt, while Ryan Alebiosu could make a timely return. Up front, the Super Eagles will look to Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman to provide the firepower. Osimhen’s relentless work rate and clinical finishing have made him one of the standout strikers in world football, while Lookman’s flair and unpredictability can create openings from almost nothing.
Morocco, buoyed by home support and a deep, talented squad, have their own injury headaches. Romain Saïss remains sidelined after picking up an injury in the tournament opener, and creative midfielder Azzedine Ounahi is ruled out for the rest of the competition. Achraf Hakimi, the marauding right-back known for his blistering pace and attacking contributions, will play despite ongoing concerns about his match fitness. Midfield enforcer Sofyan Amrabat, who came off the bench in the quarterfinal, could be handed a starting role to shore up the middle of the park.
With the knockout stages having kicked off on January 3, the road to the final has been anything but straightforward. Upsets, late drama, and breakout performances have defined this year’s AFCON, making it one of the most unpredictable editions in recent memory. Channel 4’s exclusive UK rights have ensured that every twist and turn is available to fans, whether on television or online, drawing in new viewers and seasoned supporters alike.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. The winners of Wednesday’s semifinals will book their place in the final, scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. For the losers, there’s still pride to play for in the third-place playoff on Saturday, January 17, at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca.
Each team enters the semifinals with its own narrative. Senegal, the defending champions, are hungry to repeat their triumph and cement their status as Africa’s top side. Egypt, the record seven-time winners, are desperate to reclaim continental glory after a few lean years. Nigeria, with their rich footballing history, are eager to add another AFCON title to their trophy cabinet. Morocco, meanwhile, are dreaming of lifting the trophy on home soil—a feat that would send the nation into raptures.
Fans and pundits alike are bracing for tactical battles, individual moments of brilliance, and perhaps a touch of controversy—AFCON never fails to deliver. Will Mané’s Senegal rise to the occasion, or can Salah inspire Egypt to another final? Can Nigeria’s attacking talents break down Morocco’s disciplined defense, or will the hosts ride a wave of national support to glory?
With the action set to unfold and all eyes on Tangier and Rabat, the only certainty is that the Africa Cup of Nations semifinals promise drama, excitement, and unforgettable football. Whether you’re tuning in on TV or streaming online, don’t miss a second of the action as four of Africa’s best battle for a shot at immortality.
As the semifinals kick off, fans around the world wait with bated breath to see which teams will seize their moment and march on to the grand finale. The road to Rabat is almost complete, but the greatest challenges still lie ahead.
