AFCON 2025: Which of the semifinalists has reached the final more?
The dust is gradually settling on the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco as the tournament reaches the semifinal stage.
Four nations with rich history in the competition remain. Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, and host nation Morocco are all vying for a place in the final and an opportunity to add to their continental trophy cabinets.
At this stage of the competition, Nigeria boast the most semifinal appearances, having reached the last four on 16 occasions, including this edition. Egypt follow closely with 14 semifinal appearances. Senegal have reached this stage six times, while Morocco, with five appearances, have the lowest tally among this year’s semifinalists.
Who has reached the final more?
Despite Nigeria leading the pack in semifinal appearances, they have reached the AFCON final fewer times than Egypt.
The Pharaohs have appeared in the final on ten occasions, winning the title a record seven times. Their dominance peaked with back-to-back-to-back triumphs in 2006, 2008, and 2010.
Nigeria, meanwhile, have reached the final eight times and lifted the trophy on three occasions, losing five finals—the most, tied with Ghana. The Super Eagles’ triumphs came in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
Senegal, champions in 2021, have made three AFCON final appearances, winning once and losing twice. Their most recent final defeat came in 2019, when they suffered a narrow 1–0 loss to Algeria in Cairo, Egypt.
Morocco share a similar record to Senegal. The Atlas Lions have featured in three AFCON finals but have only won once, a triumph that came 50 years ago in 1976. Their most recent final appearance was 22 years ago, when they lost to hosts Tunisia in the 2004 final.
While Egypt boast the highest number of final appearances among the semifinalists, they have lost the fewest times on the biggest stage.
Nigeria, on the other hand, have suffered more final defeats, including a 2–1 loss to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the last edition.
This year’s semifinals promise thrilling encounters as the remaining nations battle for continental supremacy.
Egypt will face Nigeria, while Senegal square off against Morocco on Wednesday, January 14, with the final scheduled for Sunday, January 18.
Egypt are bidding for an eleventh AFCON final appearance and a record-extending eighth continental crown. Nigeria are chasing a ninth final, with the chance to secure a fourth AFCON title. Senegal and Morocco will both be aiming for their fourth final appearances and a second AFCON crown apiece.