The quarter-final line-up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco has been confirmed, setting the stage for a series of blockbuster encounters as the continent’s premier football tournament enters its decisive phase.
Africa’s traditional powerhouses dominate the last eight, with defending champions Côte d’Ivoire and record seven-time winners Egypt joined by former champions Senegal, Cameroon, Nigeria and Algeria. Tournament hosts Morocco and West African dark horses Mali complete an imposing quarter-final cast.
The eight teams booked their places following the conclusion of an absorbing Round of 16 on Tuesday night, as AFCON 2025 continued to deliver high drama and top-quality football.
Egypt, the most decorated nation in AFCON history, advanced after a hard-fought extra-time victory over Benin, underlining their pedigree in knockout football.
Holders Côte d’Ivoire kept their title defence firmly on track with a convincing 3–0 win over Burkina Faso, sustaining hopes of a historic back-to-back triumph.
Hosts Morocco, buoyed by passionate home support and their 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 composed victory over Sudan.
Mali once again showcased their resilience, overcoming Tunisia on penalties despite spending large periods of the match with ten men. Nigeria, meanwhile, underlined their attacking threat with a commanding win over Mozambique, inspired by a brace from star striker Victor Osimhen.
Algeria sealed their passage after extra time against DR Congo, with substitute Adil Boulbina striking late to secure a dramatic victory.
The quarter-finals promise fireworks, highlighted by a mouthwatering clash between Egypt and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire on Saturday.
Hosts Morocco will face a stern examination against five-time champions Cameroon in one of Friday’s most anticipated fixtures.
An all West African showdown will see Senegal take on a determined Mali side in Friday’s opening quarter-final, while Nigeria and Algeria lock horns in a heavyweight encounter to kick off Saturday’s action.
The quarter-finals will be played over two days, with the winners advancing to the semi-finals as the race for continental supremacy intensifies in Morocco.
