The battle lines are now drawn for the quarter-finals of the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, with Africa’s football heavyweights set for decisive encounters.
Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire and seven-time winners Egypt lead a star-studded last eight that also includes Senegal, Cameroon, Nigeria, Algeria, Mali and tournament hosts Morocco.
The teams secured their places after an action-packed Round of 16 wrapped up on Tuesday night, delivering drama and high-quality football across the competition.
Egypt advanced following a hard-fought extra-time victory over Benin, while Côte d’Ivoire eased past Burkina Faso with a convincing 3–0 win to remain on course for a successful title defence.
Hosts Morocco edged past Tanzania amid passionate home support, as Senegal overcame Sudan to reaffirm their status as one of the continent’s most consistent sides since lifting the trophy in 2021.
Mali demonstrated resilience by knocking out Tunisia on penalties despite playing much of the match with ten men in a tense contest.
Nigeria produced an assured performance against Mozambique, with Victor Osimhen scoring twice to underline the Super Eagles’ attacking threat.
Algeria also needed extra time to see off DR Congo, with substitute Adil Boulbina netting a late winner to secure qualification.
One of the standout fixtures will see record holders Egypt face defending champions Côte d’Ivoire in a highly anticipated quarter-final on Saturday.
On Friday, hosts Morocco take on five-time champions Cameroon in a high-pressure encounter expected to test both teams.
An all-West African clash will pit Senegal against a determined Mali side in Friday’s opening tie.
Elsewhere, Nigeria square off against Algeria in another heavyweight showdown to open Saturday’s matches.
The quarter-finals will be contested over two days, with the winners earning places in the semi-finals as the quest for continental supremacy gathers momentum.
AFCON 2025 Quarter-final Fixtures
(Kick-off times are local time in Morocco)
Friday, Jan. 9
17:00 — Mali vs Senegal
20:00 — Cameroon vs Morocco
Saturday, Jan. 10
17:00 — Algeria vs Nigeria
20:00 — Egypt vs Côte d’Ivoire
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