Egypt vs. Senegal: Historic rivalry renewed in 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final

Football 13-01-2026 | 14:06

Egypt vs. Senegal: Historic rivalry renewed in 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final

From penalty shootouts to Liverpool legends facing off on the international stage, this clash is more than a game - it’s a battle of pride, legacy, and continental supremacy.

Egypt vs. Senegal: Historic rivalry renewed in 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final

A previous encounter between the two national teams. (Websites)

The highly anticipated clash between the national teams of Egypt and Senegal takes center stage once again on Wednesday, January 14, as part of the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. This match is a direct rematch of the 2021 final, in which the “Teranga Lions” triumphed in a penalty shootout.

Egyptian momentum and Senegalese ambition

The 'Pharaohs' enter the match riding strong momentum from the start of the tournament, highlighting their continental experience - especially after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals.

On the other hand, the "Teranga Lions" approach the clash with strong determination to pursue a second continental title, buoyed by the confidence gained from their previous knockout victories over Egypt.

The wound of the 2022 Final remains open

The February 6, 2022, Africa Cup of Nations final in Cameroon remains a vivid memory, as the match ended in a goalless draw before Senegal clinched victory with a 4-2 win in the penalty shootout.

The match featured a remarkable performance by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, alongside Mohamed Abou Gabal’s early save of a Sadio Mané penalty in the seventh minute, making it a tense evening that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.

A previous encounter between the two teams. (Agencies)

The impact of that loss still lingers for the Egyptian team, especially after Senegal once again asserted their dominance in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, eliminating Egypt once more through a penalty shootout in Diamniadio.

Salah vs. Mané: The next chapter in their rivalry

The match holds special significance as it features the return of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané, former Liverpool teammates, in what could be their final international showdown, with both players now 33 years old.

The two players have met three times at the international level, with Mané winning two of those encounters through penalty shootouts, while Salah has claimed a single victory. Notably, the Senegalese star has never lost a knockout match against The Pharaohs’ captain.

Head-to-head records

Throughout history, the Egyptian and Senegalese national teams have faced each other 16 times, with Egypt holding the upper hand:

8 wins for Egypt
4 wins for Senegal
4 draws

Record of matches between Egypt and Senegal
March 7, 1986: Egypt 0-1 Senegal
August 4, 1987: Egypt 1-0 Senegal
January 25, 1997: Senegal 0-0 Egypt
July 13, 1997: Egypt 2-0 Senegal
January 28, 2000: Egypt 1-0 Senegal
July 9, 2000: Senegal 0-0 Egypt
May 6, 2001: Egypt 1-0 Senegal
January 20, 2002: Egypt 0-1 Senegal
October 10, 2003: Egypt 1-0 Senegal
December 29, 2005: Egypt 4-2 Senegal
February 7, 2006: Egypt 2-1 Senegal

September 5, 2014: Senegal 2-0 Egypt
November 15, 2014: Egypt 0-1 Senegal
February 6, 2022: Egypt 0-0 (2-4 penalties) Senegal
March 25, 2022: Egypt 1-0 Senegal
March 29, 2022: Senegal 1-1 (3-1 penalties) Egypt