Four years after Senegal's victory in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final on penalties (0-0, 4-2 on penalties), the Lions of Teranga and the Pharaohs of Egypt meet again in the semi-finals. A clash of African football giants with a hint of revenge. Riding a wave of momentum, Senegal aims to maintain its current form and secure its place in the final. Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah and his teammates, seeking their eighth title, have a dual objective: to avenge their defeat against the Lions and to reach the tournament's ultimate stage. A true final before the final, promising some superb duels on the pitch.

El Hadji Malick Diouf-Mohamed Salah

A highly attacking left-back, El Hadji Malick Diouf is having an excellent tournament. Dynamic, quick, and very committed in duels, the Senegalese defender is expected to contribute both offensively and defensively. At just 20 years old, he will have to face one of the best strikers in the world: Mohamed Salah. The Liverpool winger, usually playing on the right wing, will almost certainly encounter the young West Ham defender in a duel that could prove decisive for the outcome of the match.

Marwan Attiah / Pape Gueye

Positioned in front of the defense, Attiah plays the role of a sentinel in Hossam Hassan's system. A true orchestrator of the Egyptian game, the 27-year-old midfielder (1.70 m) has had a remarkable AFCON so far, delivering consistently high-level performances. Against Senegal, his work rate, discipline, and experience at the highest level will be tested once again. However, the Al Ahly player will have his work cut out for him against Pape Gueye, who has been in excellent form since the start of the tournament. Having scored a brace in the round of 16, the former Olympique de Marseille midfielder is a key player in Pape Thiaw's system. His work rate, passing ability, and powerful left-footed shot can turn a match around at any moment. A promising duel.

Rami Rabia-Sadio Mané

Matches between Senegal and Egypt are always fiercely contested, with each team relying on its key players to make the difference. Having scored the winning penalty in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final and secured qualification for the 2022 World Cup, Sadio Mané knows the Pharaohs inside and out. Despite the effects of age, which have led him to adapt his game, the former Liverpool striker remains a crucial player in this encounter. At 33, he is still capable of making the difference at any moment. However, he will have to contend with the formidable defender Rami Rabia. Aged 32, Rabia plays a central role in the three-man defense deployed by Hossam Hassan. Excellent in duels, the Al Ain (United Arab Emirates) player is a pillar of the Egyptian national team. The coach is counting on him to contain Sadio Mané and stifle the Senegalese attack.