By Swikriti • Updated: January 14, 2026
Senegal and Egypt meet in Tangier with a place in the Africa Cup of Nations final on the line — here’s the kick-off time, how to watch, and the latest team news.
An AFCON semi-final with genuine heavyweight energy: Senegal vs Egypt, with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané as the headline acts. The winner books a place in Sunday’s final in Rabat and keeps alive a tournament storyline that feels tailor-made for drama — a rematch of recent history, two proud football nations, and two global superstars trying to bend the night their way.
The match is being played in Morocco at Stade Ibn-Batouta in Tangier, as part of the Africa Cup of Nations schedule. For official tournament coverage and fixtures, fans can follow updates through the Confederation of African Football at CAF Online.
Kick-off time: what time is Senegal vs Egypt?
- UK (GMT): 5:00pm
- Nigeria (WAT): 6:00pm
- Egypt (EET): 7:00pm
- Venue: Stade Ibn-Batouta, Tangier (Morocco)
Expect a tense, tactical opening: Senegal are comfortable without the ball and ruthless when transitions open up, while Egypt are built around structure and moments — and few players create moments like Salah.
How to watch: TV channel and live stream
UK viewers can watch the semi-final free-to-air on E4, with coverage starting at 4:30pm GMT. You can also stream online via Channel 4 streaming (account/registration required).
Outside the UK, broadcast rights vary by country. Your quickest option is to check your local listings or the tournament’s official channels via CAF.
What’s at stake
The winner will meet either host nation Morocco or Nigeria in Sunday’s final in Rabat. For Senegal, it’s a chance to reinforce their status as the continent’s most complete side of the last cycle. For Egypt, it’s about legacy: the Pharaohs have dominated AFCON history and are chasing another run that ends with silverware.
There’s also the rivalry factor. Senegal and Egypt have produced big-tournament theatre before — and when a semi-final is framed as Salah vs Mané, the expectation is simple: a match that feels like it should be played under floodlights, with nerves exposed and heroes required.
Team news
Senegal
Senegal are expected to have a fully fit squad available, giving them flexibility across midfield and the front line. Mané remains the emotional centre of the side, while the supporting cast has delivered consistently throughout the tournament. Iliman Ndiaye has been one of the breakout influences in the final third, and Nicolas Jackson is among the attacking options vying to start.
Egypt
Egypt’s mission is familiar: stay compact, stay alive in the match, then lean on Salah’s decisiveness. Omar Marmoush offers pace and direct running to stretch Senegal’s line, and Egypt will hope their midfield screen keeps the game within reach. Defender Mohamed Hamdi is reported to be unavailable due to a knee injury.
Egypt arrive after a statement quarter-final win that sent defending champions Ivory Coast out — a match where Salah’s influence again proved crucial. (For broader reporting and match context, see coverage from The Independent and tournament updates via Reuters.)
Predicted line-ups
Senegal XI (predicted): Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly, Niakhaté, Diouf; Diarra, Gueye, Camara; Ndiaye, Jackson, Mané.
Egypt XI (predicted): El Shenawy; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Fatouh; Attia, Fathy, Abdelmaguid; Salah, Marmoush, Trezeguet.
Key battles to watch
- Salah vs Senegal’s back line: If Egypt can create even two or three clean moments, Salah can decide the tie.
- Mané’s influence between lines: Senegal’s best attacks often start when Mané drifts into pockets and forces defenders to step out.
- Midfield control: If Senegal dictate tempo early, Egypt may be pushed deeper than they’d like — inviting pressure and set pieces.
With a final berth on the line, don’t be surprised if this turns into a game of inches — moments, set pieces, and who keeps their composure late on.
Quick FAQs
Is Senegal vs Egypt free-to-air in the UK?
Yes — it’s on E4, with streaming via Channel 4’s online service.
What time is kick-off in Nigeria?
6:00pm WAT.
Where is the match being played?
Stade Ibn-Batouta in Tangier, Morocco.
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