As the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 edges closer to its climax, Wednesday’s semi-finals promise high drama and intense competition, with Egypt facing Senegal and Nigeria taking on Morocco. Beyond the quest for a spot in the final, teams are also keeping a close eye on disciplinary concerns that could shape the outcome.
A total of 20 players across the four semi-finalists are at risk of missing the championship match if they receive a yellow card in these crucial fixtures. Senegal tops the list, with seven players teetering on the edge. Among them are central defensive stalwart Kalidou Koulibaly, midfield anchors Pape Gueye and Habib Diarra, and forwards Habib Diallo and Nicolas Jackson. Winger Ismail Jakobs and full-back Ibrahim Mbaye also join the list, meaning Senegal coach Aliou Cissé will need careful management to avoid potential absences in the final.
Egypt, meanwhile, must monitor six players closely. Veteran goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, defender Rami Rabia, and midfielder Marwan Attia are among those who could be sidelined, a scenario that would test the depth and resilience of the Pharaohs’ squad.
The other semi-final features Nigeria and Morocco, where seven players are similarly on a cautionary knife-edge. The Super Eagles have four key figures at risk: Stanley Nwabali, Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon, and Frank Onyeka. Morocco, for their part, have three players under watch: Bilal El Khannouss, Soufiane Rahimi, and Ismael Saibari.
With the continent’s biggest football prize just one step away, even a single yellow card could alter team strategies and potentially rule star players out of the final, adding an extra layer of tension to matches already loaded with excitement.