AFCON 2021 predictions: Egypt and Senegal on their way to the semis?

Egypt, Morocco, Senegal, and Equatorial Guinea. Only two of these four teams will be in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals. 

The last day of the quarter-finals is playing host to a mammoth north African derby between Egypt and Morocco. At the same time, Senegal and Sadio Mané will hope to sneak past the notorious giant killers that are Equatorial Guinea.

Important note: These predictions are only suggestions, and BabaGol is not responsible for the consequences. The use of these suggestions is the responsibility of the readers and users themselves.

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Egypt v Morocco, 16:00 CET, Stade Ahmad Ahidjou, Yaoundé

No words are needed to describe this fascinating encounter between the two best north African sides in this tournament. Egypt and Mohammed Salah finally found their correct shape and style against the Ivory Coast, while Morocco managed to come back from a goal down against Malawi with a world-class display by Achraf Hakimi. 

On the big stage, North African derbies tend to be cagey and tactical clashes, but this one could easily surprise us - both teams have some unrivalled individual African football talents and, with much prestige on the line, it must be a thriller. Egypt and Morocco have played each other 27 times, with the Pharaohs winning only three - the last time was in the 2017 AFCON quarter-final.

BabaGol’s prediction: The combative approach Egypt retained against the Ivory Coast will be of utmost importance against Morocco. Egypt to win. 

Senegal v Equatorial Guinea, 20:00 CET, Stade Ahmad Ahidjou, Yaoundé

It’s unclear how, but Senegal have made it until here without conceding a single goal. They’ve not impressed, and only scored three goals in the process. On the other hand, Equatorial Guinea have been highly impressive - their relatively ‘anonymous’ side has beaten Algeria and Mali so far, and are eyeing a historical place in the semi-finals.

BabaGol’s prediction: It won’t be easy, but Senegal will win. They simply have no other option.

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Photo via CAF Online official Twitter account.