The Lions of Teranga will come up against the Pharaohs in a repeat of the 2021 AFCON final at the Grand Stade de Tangier on Wednesday. The two giants will be meeting for the sixth time in the AFCON.
Out of the previous five meetings, each side has won two games with all the matches coming in the group stages. In 2006, they met in the semi-finals.
Their first-ever meeting at AFCON was during the 1986 edition, when Egypt, as hosts, were defeated 1-0 by Senegal in Cairo in their opening group match. The Pharaohs recovered to go on and win the title.
Senegal will play with real ambition
“We are preparing for this match with the utmost rigour, leaving no room for distractions that could derail our focus,” Thiaw told reporters ahead of the game.
“We know we are facing a very strong Egyptian side, arguably the most star-studded team in Africa, one that is tactically disciplined and mentally seasoned by years of playing at this level.
“We approach this challenge with great respect, but also with real ambition. We are determined to win and reach the final. Above all, we remain faithful to our playing philosophy, because we believe it is the key that can make the difference.”
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan said: “Senegal is not a bogey team for the Egyptian national team. We are seven-time African champions, and there is no such thing as a bogey team in football.
“Anyone who faces the Egyptian national team plays with fear in their heart, and the provocative videos circulated about us motivate us before matches.
“We approach this semi-final with great respect for our opponent, but also with great preparation. We are mentally ready. We know the team we are facing and we also know our strengths.
“Each team has its own way of playing, its own strategy, and we have prepared accordingly.”
How did the teams qualify for semis?
Pooled in Group D, Senegal kicked off their campaign with a 3-0 win against Botswana, drew 1-1 against DR Congo, before seeing off Benin 3-0 to qualify for the knockout stages.
In the Round of 16, Senegal came up against Sudan, a side they dispatched 3-1 to set up a quarter-final date against Mali. Against the Eagles, Iliman Ndiaye scored to help the Lions of Teranga win the West African derby.
Egypt, who are led by Mohamed Salah, kicked off Group B matches with a 2-1 win against Zimbabwe, registered a 1-0 win against South Africa, drew 0-0 against Angola, but booked their place in the Round of 16.
Egypt were drawn against Benin, a side they defeated 3-1 before facing the outgoing African champions Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals. The Pharaohs produced a 3-2 win to dump out the Elephants from the 2025 edition.
