Senegal forward Nicolas Jackson has played down any talk of pressure as they prepare for a high-stakes Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Egypt.

The two African heavyweights meet on Wednesday evening at the Grand Stadium of Tangier, with a place in the final of the 2025 tournament, being staged in Morocco, up for grabs.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, Jackson was keen to draw a line under the past, insisting that previous meetings between the sides have little bearing on what lies ahead.

“Our last matches against Egypt are in the past,” he said. “Now it is time to prepare for tomorrow’s match, which promises to be extremely important.”

The Chelsea striker said the mood in the Senegal camp has been one of calm determination, with preparations stepped up as the Teranga Lions look to reach another continental final.

“We are training to be in the best possible shape for this crucial match,” Jackson explained. “We know it will not be easy, but the key is to prepare well and try to come out victorious.”

Egypt, seven-time AFCON winners, are known for their disciplined and compact approach, something Jackson believes requires careful planning and patience.

“Everyone knows it won’t be an easy match,” he added. “The Egyptian national team often plays in a defensive style, so every game against them needs special preparation. We will take it seriously and do our best to win.”

Senegal and Egypt have built a fierce rivalry in recent years, most notably meeting in the 2022 AFCON final, which the Teranga Lions won on penalties. But for Jackson and his teammates, the focus is firmly on the present.

Wednesday’s semi-final kicks off at 17:00 GMT, with both sides chasing another shot at African glory.