The line-up for the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco has been confirmed, ushering the continent’s premier football tournament into a thrilling knockout stage filled with heavyweight encounters.
Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire and record seven-time winners Egypt headline a formidable last-eight cast that also features former champions Senegal, Cameroon, Nigeria and Algeria. They are joined by ambitious West African rivals Mali and tournament hosts Morocco, who remain buoyed by home support.
The eight nations sealed their places following the conclusion of an absorbing Round of 16 on Tuesday night, as AFCON once again delivered drama, intensity and high-quality football.
Egypt, the most decorated nation in the competition’s history, needed extra time to edge past Benin, while holders Côte d’Ivoire kept their title defence on track with a commanding 3-0 victory over Burkina Faso to sustain hopes of retaining the crown.
Hosts Morocco advanced after a narrow win over Tanzania, drawing strength from passionate home backing and their historic status as the first African nation to reach a FIFA World Cup semi-final.
Senegal, champions in 2021, continued their run of consistency with a solid victory over Sudan, while Mali showcased their resilience by eliminating Tunisia on penalties despite spending long spells of the contest with ten men.
Nigeria sent a clear attacking statement with a convincing win over Mozambique, inspired by a brace from Victor Osimhen. Algeria, meanwhile, required extra time to overcome DR Congo, with substitute Adil Boulbina striking late to secure qualification.
The quarter-final stage promises blockbuster clashes, headlined by a mouthwatering showdown between record winners Egypt and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire on Saturday.
Hosts Morocco face a stern examination against five-time champions Cameroon in what is expected to be one of the tournament’s most intense encounters on Friday. Earlier that day, an all–West African duel will see Senegal lock horns with a spirited Mali side.
Elsewhere, Nigeria and Algeria meet in a clash of continental heavyweights to open Saturday’s programme.
With the quarter-finals spread across two days, the race for continental supremacy is set to intensify as AFCON 2025 moves closer to its climax in Morocco.
AFCON 2025 Quarter-final Fixtures
Friday, 9 January
16:00 GMT — Mali vs Senegal
19:00 GMT — Cameroon vs Morocco
Saturday, 10 January
16:00 GMT — Algeria vs Nigeria
19:00 GMT — Egypt vs Côte d’Ivoire
