Senegal forward Habib Diallo says the Teranga Lions are fully aware of the challenge Egypt pose but believes his side are ready to rise to the occasion as they chase a place in the Africa Cup of Nations final.

The two African heavyweights meet on Wednesday evening at the Grand Stadium of Tangier, with a spot in the 2025 AFCON final at stake in what has become one of the continent’s most compelling rivalries.

Speaking ahead of the semi-final, Diallo acknowledged the importance of the occasion while insisting Senegal’s approach has remained calm and focused.

“We know that tomorrow’s match is the semi-final, and it is a very important match,” he said. “But we continue to train as usual. We prepare like in other matches, maybe even more than usual. We will try to present our usual style of football.”

The 28-year-old also reflected on Senegal’s recent history with Egypt, a familiar opponent in high-stakes encounters over the past few years.

“On one hand it is a difficult match, and on the other hand, it is not,” Diallo explained. “Egypt is a team we know very well. We have faced them before in the World Cup qualifiers and we won. They are a good team and we know them well. The most important thing for us is to do our best to qualify.”

Diallo made it clear that neither side will take a backward step, predicting an intense battle from first whistle to last.

“We expect anything,” he added. “Since we have already beaten them before, they will be there to win, and we are also here to win not to joke around.”

Senegal and Egypt’s rivalry has intensified in recent years, most notably in the 2022 AFCON final, which the Teranga Lions won on penalties to claim their first continental title. The two nations later met again in the final round of World Cup qualifiers, where Senegal once more edged Egypt in a dramatic shootout.

Wednesday’s semi-final promises another chapter in that gripping story, with both sides determined to move one step closer to lifting Africa’s biggest football prize.