Talking points: AFCON 2025 semi-final drama and countdown to Sunday’s final

Wednesday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-finals in Morocco showcased the skills of the continent’s finest footballers, alongside the rich history and fervent passion that define the tournament.

As teams vied for a spot in Sunday’s final, every moment on the pitch was charged with intensity. With the sun setting on the Moroccan skyline, anticipation for the finale has reached a fever pitch. The victors will now take to the field not only for glory, but to represent their nations in the pursuit of the prestigious AFCON 2025 crown.

Here are five talking points from the semi-finals.

Egypt’s finger wave

Following Senegal’s victory over Egypt on Wednesday, some Senegalese fans and media mocked the Egyptian team as they left the field. In response, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan and his players remained composed, raising seven fingers to signify Egypt’s status as the most successful nation in AFCON history, with a record seven titles. The gesture has gained significant attention on social media, illustrating a poised response to provocation through historical pride.

Reds flashpoint

Former Liverpool stars Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané were at the heart of a fiery moment in the first half. A tackle by Salah on Mané ignited tensions, causing chaos on the sidelines and bringing play to a halt. Officials stepped in to cool tempers as a shoving match broke out between the two coaching staffs. Recently, their former manager Jürgen Klopp discussed their professional rivalry in a documentary, noting that while they respected one another, they were not "best friends."

And then there were two

The semi-finals featured exceptional individual talent, with five former or current African Player of the Year recipients in action. Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman (Nigeria) were winners for 2023 and 2024 respectively, while Salah and Mané have both received the award twice. The fifth, Achraf Hakimi, was recently crowned the 2025 winner, becoming the first defender to achieve the distinction in over half a century. Of these stars, only Hakimi and Mané progressed to Sunday’s final.

Top-five breakthrough

Morocco’s Yassine Bounou has kept more clean sheets than any other goalkeeper at AFCON 2025. After five games, he has recorded four clean sheets, with the only goal conceded being a penalty in the group stages. With this feat, he has broken into the top five goalkeepers with the most clean sheets in AFCON history. The list is currently topped by Essam El Hadary (14), followed by Boubacar Copa (11), while Bounou now sits on 10 alongside Vincent Enyeama and Alain Gouaméné.+2

McKenzie cracks Fifa invite

South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has officially received an invitation to attend Sunday’s final. He was also invited to the FIFA Africa Office in Rabat for the signing ceremony to establish the FIFA Regional Development Office in Johannesburg. Since 2018, the office has been based in the SAFA building, playing a vital role in supporting member associations across the COSAFA region.