Suspension fears won’t derail Senegal’s plans for Egypt

The heavyweight clash takes place at the Ibn Battouta Stadium at 17:00 (18:00 SA time), with Senegal aiming to extend their recent dominance over the Pharaohs on the continental stage. Among the players at risk of suspension are captain Kalidou Koulibaly, Nicolas Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye, Pape Gueye and teenage sensation Ibrahim Mbaye, underlining the depth of quality at Thiaw’s disposal despite the disciplinary concerns.

"We are aware about the situation, but these players want to give it their all and so we are not going to think about that. The most important thing is to focus on winning this match, and after that we will see what happens next."

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Senegal arrived at this stage buoyed by their historic AFCON triumph in 2021, the nation’s first continental title.

That victorious generation, spearheaded by Koulibaly and Sadio Mané, remains largely intact, although the team is now under the guidance of Thiaw following the departure of long-serving coach Aliou Cissé.

The blend of tournament experience and emerging youthful talent is expected to play a decisive role in another high-pressure encounter.

Meetings between Senegal and Egypt have traditionally been tightly contested affairs, often producing matches that are far closer than the final scorelines suggest.

Egypt’s resilience and collective discipline throughout the tournament have again highlighted their ability to rise to the occasion in knockout football.

"Every match is its own story, but tomorrow will be a completely different match. We respect this Egyptian team, but we are going to play our own game and try to do everything to win it. We know it will be a very difficult match, but we must not forget how far we have come and what we are capable of."

The semifinal also reignites the much-anticipated international rivalry between Mané and Mohamed Salah, marking the third chapter of their AFCON duel.

Mané currently holds the upper hand, having emerged victorious in their previous two encounters at this level. With both former African Footballer of the Year winners leading their nations, the fixture promises another compelling chapter in one of African football’s most iconic rivalries. Thiaw goes further to say, they are prepared for penalties as well tonight...