Breaking the Streak: Egypt Eyes a Semi-final Upset as Senegal Chases a Scoring Record
14 January 2026
Match Preview
Egypt seeks to end Senegal's prolific scoring run as the two nations meet in the Africa Cup of Nations semifinal this Wednesday in Morocco.
The venue is Tangier's Ibn Battouta Stadium, echoing the 2021 final while the stakes are higher this time.
Key Facts
Senegal have struck in nine straight Africa Cup of Nations games, presenting a major challenge for Egypt's defense.
Egypt last kept a clean sheet against the Lions of Teranga in the 2021 final, a 0-0 draw that Senegal won on penalties.
Since then, Senegal have played nine matches in the 2023 and 2025 editions, winning seven and drawing two, with a goal in every game.
In the previous edition, they beat Gambia, Cameroon, Guinea, drew with Ivory Coast before bowing out on penalties; in the current edition, they beat Botswana, Benin, Sudan, Mali, and drew with DR Congo.
Egypt hope to halt the scoring spree and reach the final for the tenth time, especially since they were the last side to expose Senegal's defense at the continental level.
Beyond the scoring, Senegal have not lost in 16 matches (11 wins, 5 draws). Their last defeat came to Algeria in the 2019 final in Egypt.
The winner will face the victor of Morocco vs Nigeria.
Punchlines: If this match were a coffee, it would be a double espresso—bold, bitter, and guaranteed to wake the crowd. And if you’re betting, may your wallet be as sharp as Senegal’s forward line and your snacks be plentiful for penalties!
