Sports
Heavyweights Collide as AFCON 2025 Quarter-Final Clashes Confirmed
The quarter-final line-up for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 has been confirmed, setting the stage for a series of heavyweight clashes as Africa’s biggest football tournament enters its decisive phase.
Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire and record seven-time winners Egypt headline an imposing last-eight line-up that also includes former champions and established contenders Senegal, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Algeria, alongside ambitious West African rivals Mali and tournament hosts Morocco.
Road to the Last Eight
The eight nations secured their quarter-final places following the conclusion of an absorbing Round of 16 on Tuesday night, as the continent’s flagship competition continued to deliver thrilling encounters.
Egypt, the most successful nation in AFCON history, booked their place with a hard-fought extra-time victory over Benin, while holders Côte d’Ivoire kept their title defence alive with a dominant 3–0 win over Burkina Faso, fueling hopes of back-to-back crowns.
Hosts Morocco, buoyed by passionate home support and their historic status as the first African nation to reach a FIFA World Cup semi-final, edged past Tanzania to progress.
Senegal, champions in 2021, maintained their impressive tournament consistency with a solid victory over Sudan, while Mali showcased their resilience by eliminating Tunisia on penalties, despite spending large periods of the match with ten men.
Nigeria underlined their attacking quality with a commanding win over Mozambique, inspired by a brace from Victor Osimhen, while Algeria required extra time to overcome DR Congo, with substitute Adil Boulbina striking late to seal qualification.
Blockbuster Quarter-Final Matchups
Among the standout fixtures is a mouthwatering clash between Egypt and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire, scheduled for Saturday, as two continental giants battle for a place in the semi-finals.
Tournament hosts Morocco face a stern examination against Cameroon, five-time African champions, in what promises to be one of the most intense encounters of the round on Friday night.
An all–West African showdown will see reigning champions Senegal take on a resilient Mali side in Friday’s opening quarter-final, while Nigeria and Algeria lock horns in a classic heavyweight contest in Saturday’s first match.
With pride, history, and continental supremacy at stake, the quarter-final schedule offers a thrilling two days of football as the competition builds towards its climax in Morocco.
AFCON 2025 Quarter-Final Fixtures
(All kick-off times are local time in Morocco)
Friday, 9 January
17:00 — Mali vs Senegal
20:00 — Cameroon vs Morocco
Saturday, 10 January
17:00 — Algeria vs Nigeria
20:00 — Egypt vs Côte d’Ivoire
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