AFCON: Semifinal Preview
Ahead of tomorrow's AFCON semifinals, we run the rule over the four sides and the stars of Ligue 1 McDonald's who are expected to play key roles in securing a place in Sunday's final.
Senegal vs Egypt
With ten players from Ligue 1 McDonald's in Pape Thiaw's squad, the Lions of Teranga have more players from the French top flight than any other team in the tournament, and several of them have been instrumental in their progress. Krépin Diatta of AS Monaco has played every minute of the tournament, and he, along with Moussa Niakhaté of Olympique Lyonnais, have been instrumental in their progress, as they've conceded just twice.
As for the Pharaohs, while they've relied less on their lone player from Ligue 1 -- FC Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed, in him they have a proven centre forward, and one who helped lead them to the final of this competition in 2022. In that tournament, he started every match as his side reached the final, while in 2024 he scored in every match as Egypt were eliminated in the Round of 16.
Captain Hakimi is close to another trophy 🇲🇦👀 pic.twitter.com/BF5K3t0Wk0
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) January 11, 2026
Nigeria vs Morocco
The day's second semifinal pits the hosts against a Nigeria side who have been somewhat of a surprise package through the tournament. A pair of former Ligue 1 McDonald's stars -- Victor Osimhen (LOSC Lille) and Akor Adams (Montpellier HSC) have been the driving force for Éric Chelle. Osimhen has had four goals and two assists, while Adams has chipped in with two goals and two assists, all in the knockout rounds.
Finally, the hosts have grown into the tournament, behind the return from injury of Paris Saint-Germain's Achraf Hakimi. He and Marseille's Nayef Aguerd will bring their veteran nous to bear in this match, as the Atlas Lions look to build on their third place finish at the 2022 World Cup, as they look to continue an unbeaten run that has stretched for nearly two years -- dating to the previous edition of this tournament.
Read more:
>> Coupe de France: Marseille thump Bayeux to reach Round of 16
