By Kosi Kosimbom
Journalist kick442.com – Cameroon
Excellence, perspective and purpose now define the closing act of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 as four former champions converge on the semi-finals, each carrying a distinct relationship with continental glory. Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal and Egypt are not only separated by style and identity, but also by time time since last triumph, time spent chasing legacy, and time waiting for renewal. As the tournament reaches its crescendo, Africa’s elite stand face to face with their histories, with venues and kick-off times now set for two monumental nights.
For hosts Morocco, history feels both distant and urgent. The Atlas Lions are 50 years removed from their first and only AFCON title, lifted in 1976, and have reached the final just once since, in 2004. Playing on home soil, Morocco carry the hopes of a nation eager to end a half-century wait, and on Wednesday, 14 January, they will attempt to take another step toward that dream under the lights of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, where they face Nigeria at 9:00 pm.
Nigeria arrive with a familiar hunger for continental dominance. The Super Eagles are 13 years removed from their third AFCON crown, won in 2013, and have contested the final eight times in their history. Their recent near-misses have only sharpened their edge, and their semi-final showdown with the hosts promises a battle of power, pace and belief, as Nigeria chase a fourth title and another place in the showpiece match.
Mane, Salah, Osihmen, Brahim, the stars leading the course
The first semi-final of the day brings together two sides defined by experience and resilience. Senegal will take on Egypt at the Tangier Stadium at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, 14 January, in a clash that feels destined for high tension and tactical nuance. Senegal, champions in 2021, are five years removed from their first AFCON triumph and are appearing in the semi-finals once again with the calm assurance of a team that now understands how to win when it matters most.
Egypt, the most successful nation in AFCON history, arrive carrying the weight of an unmatched legacy. The Pharaohs are 16 years removed from their seventh title, last lifted in 2010, but their excellence remains formidable. With ten AFCON final appearances, Egypt continue to thrive in knockout football, and their dramatic quarter-final victory over Côte d’Ivoire served as another reminder of their enduring tournament intelligence.
What unites these four nations is not merely their past success, but their consistency on Africa’s biggest stage. Collectively, they have contested more than 25 AFCON finals, shaping eras of the competition and setting the benchmark for excellence. After an unpredictable start to the tournament, it is experience, composure and belief that have prevailed.
As AFCON 2025 edges toward its climax, each semi-final carries its own emotional and historical charge. Morocco chase release from a 50-year wait, Nigeria seek renewal, Egypt defend an empire, and Senegal aim to confirm permanence. Two stadiums, one evening, four former champions and a continent watching as history and excellence prepare to speak once more.
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