Key Players Including Salah Target Morocco in AFCON Semi Finals

The Africa Cup of Nations has arrived at the semi final phase, and a competition free from major surprises now presents two exciting matchups, with the host nation Morocco facing opposition from other prominent African sides.

Egypt featuring Mohamed Salah, Nigeria with Victor Osimhen, and Senegal boasting Sadio Mane are all still vying for the championship in Rabat this coming Sunday, though the home edge keeps Morocco as the frontrunners.

After reaching the World Cup semi finals in 2022, Morocco holds the position of Africas highest ranked team and enters Wednesdays semi final clash against Nigeria in the capital city while maintaining an unbeaten streak since their defeat to South Africa in the previous AFCON.

The team under Walid Regragui has allowed only one goal across five fixtures in this event, and any concerns regarding their capacity to cope with the intense home pressure were dispelled by their strong 2 0 victory over Cameroon in the quarter finals.

Team captain and the present African player of the year Achraf Hakimi has recovered from his injury, and with Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz who has netted five times in five outings they possess what is likely the events standout performer.

He could rise to become the finest player globally if he chooses to, commented Regragui following the match against Cameroon.

Morocco stands as Africas dominant force at present and, in contrast to Nigeria, they are preparing for the World Cup.

Yet their historical performance in the Cup of Nations has been disappointing. This marks their initial semi final appearance since 2004, when they fell in the final to Tunisia.

Looking back further, Morocco overcame Nigeria on their path to claiming the trophy in 1976 and even after fifty years, that stays as their sole continental crown.

Nigeria made their return to Morocco needing to demonstrate their worth after a penalty shoot out loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo in a November qualifier in Rabat dashed their World Cup aspirations.

There could be ten African nations at the World Cup, and it is noteworthy that Nigeria with its rich football heritage and the continents biggest population will miss out.

Nevertheless, their showings in the past three weeks indicate that as an outlier.

Egypt Faces Senegal Once More

Nigeria finished as runners up in the previous Cup of Nations in 2024. Guided by two past African players of the year in Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, they lead this tournament in scoring with 14 goals.

What has shifted since the unsuccessful World Cup qualification effort?

Nothing, stated coach Eric Chelle, who took the role precisely one year prior. This remains the identical squad. The variation lies in their enhancement since they understand my expectations.

Major upsets have been virtually absent at this AFCON, but Nigerias involvement ensures that four out of the five highest ranked African squads reach the semis the outlier being Algeria, defeated by the Super Eagles on Saturday.

The alternative semi final on Wednesday in Tangiers pitting Egypt against Senegal revisits the 2022 final, where the Lions of Teranga prevailed via penalties.

Senegal, placed second in Africa and 19th worldwide, was viewed as Moroccos primary rival prior to the event and now sits just one match from a third final in four tournaments.

They field a seasoned lineup that features Mane, set to oppose his former Liverpool colleague Salah.

Their advancement implies that the most recent five recipients of the African player of the year award are all present in the semi finals.

Salah, matching Osimhens four goals here, has yet to secure an AFCON triumph, having been a losing finalist on two occasions.

He arrived in Morocco after losing standing at his club yet appears to have rediscovered joy with his country as he aims to propel Egypt towards a record breaking eighth championship.

I have captured nearly every accolade, but this remains the one I await, Salah noted after the quarter final success against Ivory Coast, while claiming the Pharaohs as underdogs.

We face exceptionally strong opponents, many of whom are based in Europe, aiding their preparation.

We possess solid talents, but the majority compete in Egypt. We include three players abroad, all currently facing challenges none are featuring for their clubs at present, he mentioned, alluding to his own issues at Anfield.