Oliseh predicts winner of Egypt vs Senegal
As the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) reaches its fever pitch, all eyes are on the blockbuster semi-final showdown between two of the continent’s most successful footballing nations: Egypt and Senegal. With a spot in the final on the line, legendary former Super Eagles captain and coach, Sunday Oliseh, has weighed in with a compelling prediction on who will emerge victorious.
Speaking on the latest episode of the Global Football Insights podcast, Oliseh analyzed the tactical and psychological states of both teams heading into the Wednesday evening fixture.
The Rematch: Revenge vs. Psychological Dominance
The rivalry between the Pharaohs of Egypt and the Teranga Lions of Senegal has become one of the defining narratives of African football in recent years. This semi-final is steeped in history, particularly following the 2021 AFCON final where Senegal triumphed over Egypt on penalties to claim their first-ever title.
According to Oliseh, this history will play a massive role in the minds of the players.
“Egypt is coming with revenge from the past after losing the AFCON final to Senegal. Senegal is coming with the mind that we are better than you, we have beaten you in the past,” Oliseh noted.
Why Oliseh is Leaning Towards Senegal
While acknowledging that the match is incredibly close and difficult to call, the former Juventus and Dortmund midfielder admitted he has a slight favorite. His reasoning isn’t just based on squad depth, but on the power of belief.
“It’s difficult to say who will win between Egypt and Senegal, but I am leaning a bit towards Senegal because they have this belief that they can overcome,” Oliseh explained.
He emphasized that Senegal enters the pitch with a sense of “maturity” and “psychological superiority,” having consistently performed at the highest level under pressure. For the Teranga Lions, the memory of past victories acts as a shield against the intimidation tactics often employed by the record-holding Pharaohs.
Road to the Semi-Finals: How They Got Here
Both teams have shown championship DNA throughout the tournament:
- Egypt: The Pharaohs secured their semi-final berth after a grueling quarter-final victory over a highly-fancied Ivory Coast side. Their resilience and tactical discipline have remained their greatest assets.
- Senegal: The defending champions made a statement by overcoming Mali in the last eight. Led by the evergreen Sadio Mane, the West Africans have blended youth with experience to remain the team to beat.
The “Osimhen vs. Salah” Factor and Global Context
While the focus is on the team collective, the tournament has been a showcase of world-class talent. Oliseh previously identified Egypt, Senegal, Nigeria, and Cameroon as the four main title contenders.
As Nigeria prepares to face hosts Morocco in the other semi-final, the winner of Egypt vs. Senegal will likely face a daunting task in the final. Oliseh’s insights suggest that the winner of this “clash of titans” will carry massive momentum into the trophy game.
Key Match Facts to Note:
- Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
- Stake: A place in the AFCON 2026 Final.
- Historical Edge: Senegal has won the last major competitive meetings between the two sides, including the 2021 Final and the 2022 World Cup playoffs.
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