The tactical battles on the pitch will not be the only tests during today’s Africa Cup of Nations semifinals. For a group of players, a personal battle for composure will also be critical, as they are just one yellow card away from missing either the final or the third-place playoff.
Four teams, Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal, and Egypt are set to compete for a place in the AFCON final. However, each squad carries the added burden of key players walking on a disciplinary tightrope.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will be without several important figures if they advance but see bookings for goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defender Calvin Bassey, or midfielders Moses Simon and Frank Onyeka.
Morocco’s hopes, meanwhile, rely on the careful conduct of their talented young midfield. The creative trio of Bilal El Khannouss, Soufiane Rahimi, and Ismael Saibari are all one caution from suspension.
The situation is most acute for Senegal. Their list includes veteran leader Kalidou Koulibaly, defender Ismail Jakobs, midfielder Pape Gueye, and striker Nicolas Jackson, among others. Seven Teranga Lions must navigate their crucial match against Côte d’Ivoire with extra caution.
For Egypt, the concern stretches across the field. From captain and goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy to defenders and midfielders like Marwan Attia and Hamdy Fathy, six players are at risk.
The narrative of these semifinals will undoubtedly focus on goals, saves, and moments of skill. Yet, looming beneath that excitement is a simple equation, a mistimed tackle or a moment of dissent could not only change a match but also rob a team of a crucial player for the tournament’s final. As the football world watches, discipline may very well decide destiny.
🇳🇬 Nigeria:
Stanley Nwabali, Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon, Frank Onyeka
🇲🇦 Morocco:
Bilal El Khannouss, Soufiane Rahimi, Ismael Saibari
🇸🇳 Senegal:
Kalidou Koulibaly, Ismail Jakobs, Pape Gueye, Habib Diarra, Habib Diallo, Nicolas Jackson, Ibrahim Mbaye
🇪🇬 Egypt:
Mohamed El Shenawy, Rami Rabia, Hossam Abdel Majid, Marwan Attia, Hamdy Fathy, Ahmed Fotouh