Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire sealed their place among the final contenders with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Burkina Faso on Tuesday night, completing what analysts have described as the strongest knockout lineup in AFCON history.
Seven of the eight remaining teams are former champions, with a combined total of 22 AFCON titles between them. For the first time, all quarter-finalists also ranked inside Africa’s top 10 according to FIFA.
The results have set up mouth-watering semi-final fixtures that promise to deliver the drama the competition has so far been building toward.
Côte d’Ivoire will face record champions Egypt in a clash rich in history and rivalry. The Ivorians have not beaten Egypt at the AFCON since 1990 and still carry memories of painful defeats, including penalty shootout losses in the 2006 final and the 2021 round of 16.
The results have set up mouth-watering semi-final fixtures that promise to deliver the drama the competition has so far been building toward.
Côte d’Ivoire will face record champions Egypt in a clash rich in history and rivalry. The Ivorians have not beaten Egypt at the AFCON since 1990 and still carry memories of painful defeats, including penalty shootout losses in the 2006 final and the 2021 round of 16.
However, this Ivorian side has shown balance and cohesion, with winger Amad Diallo emerging as a key creative force after his influential display against Burkina Faso.
Egypt, meanwhile, remain difficult to defeat despite ongoing questions about how best to deploy attacking stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush in the same system.
In the other semi-final, Nigeria will take on Algeria in a contest between two sides that have impressed in contrasting ways.
Egypt, meanwhile, remain difficult to defeat despite ongoing questions about how best to deploy attacking stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush in the same system.
In the other semi-final, Nigeria will take on Algeria in a contest between two sides that have impressed in contrasting ways.
Nigeria have been the tournament’s most potent attacking force, scoring freely through the partnership of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
However, defensive lapses have left the Super Eagles vulnerable, raising concerns ahead of a tactically astute Algerian side.
Algeria booked their semi-final ticket with a dramatic extra-time victory over DR Congo and have looked one of the most balanced teams in the competition.
Algeria booked their semi-final ticket with a dramatic extra-time victory over DR Congo and have looked one of the most balanced teams in the competition.
Under coach Vladimir Petkovic, the Desert Foxes have demonstrated tactical flexibility and discipline, qualities that could trouble Nigeria’s high-tempo approach.
Tournament hosts Morocco remain among the favourites despite uneven performances that have drawn criticism from sections of the home crowd.
Tournament hosts Morocco remain among the favourites despite uneven performances that have drawn criticism from sections of the home crowd.
Coach Walid Regragui has faced growing scrutiny over his cautious tactics, even as Morocco continue to grind out results.
While the Atlas Lions boast one of the most talented squads in African football and the advantage of home support, pressure has mounted amid concerns that the team is not playing to its full attacking potential.
While the Atlas Lions boast one of the most talented squads in African football and the advantage of home support, pressure has mounted amid concerns that the team is not playing to its full attacking potential.
Public expectations have been heightened by Morocco’s historic run to the World Cup semi-finals in 2022 and heavy investment in football infrastructure ahead of the 2030 World Cup.
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