The stage is set for a glittering night at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as four heavyweights of the continent collide in semi-final clashes billed as a true “battle among Africa’s best”.

Beyond national pride and a place in the final, Wednesday’s matches bring together some of the game’s most celebrated individuals, players who have carried the African Footballer of the Year crown in recent seasons and now carry the hopes of their nations.

Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, a two-time winner of the award in 2017 and 2018, once again leads the Pharaohs with his familiar mix of experience and cutting edge. Across the divide, Senegal look to Sadio Mané, crowned Africa’s best in 2019 and 2022, whose leadership and big-game pedigree have defined the Teranga Lions’ rise in recent years.

Nigeria arrive with a formidable duo. Victor Osimhen, the 2023 African Footballer of the Year, has been central to the Super Eagles’ push to the last four, while Ademola Lookman, the 2024 winner, adds pace, creativity and unpredictability to their attack.

Hosts Morocco are powered by Achraf Hakimi, crowned Africa’s best player in 2025, whose influence from defence to attack has been one of the defining features of their home tournament run.

It is rare for so much individual pedigree to converge on one day of continental football. For supporters, it promises drama, quality and moments that could define careers. For the players, it is a chance to turn personal accolades into collective glory.

By the end of the night, two teams will move one step closer to lifting Africa’s most coveted prize. But whatever the outcome, these semi-finals are already shaping up as one of the defining chapters of AFCON 2025, a day when Africa’s best take centre stage.