The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco has advanced to the quarter-final stage, with the field of contenders narrowed down to eight elite teams. Sixteen nations have now been eliminated from the tournament, setting the scene for a high-stakes conclusion.
No Room for Surprises in Knockout Stage
This year's Round of 16 provided little in the way of shocks, as the continent's footballing heavyweights largely asserted their dominance. Tanzania, Mozambique, Benin, and Sudan, all of whom had progressed as third-placed group teams, saw their journeys end with comprehensive defeats. The only exception to the rule of past champions remaining is Mali, who continue their impressive unbeaten run.
Other notable departures at this stage include DR Congo, South Africa, and Burkina Faso, who were unable to overcome their more fancied opponents.
How the Quarter-Finalists Booked Their Spots
The path to the last eight was filled with drama and decisive moments. Senegal's Teranga Lions were the first to qualify, dispatching Sudan with a 3-1 victory.
Mali secured their place in a tense encounter against Tunisia, eventually triumphing 5-4 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw over 120 thrilling minutes in Casablanca.
Host nation Morocco advanced amidst controversy, edging past Tanzania 1-0 thanks to a goal from Brahim Diaz. The match was marred by late drama as the Taifa Stars were denied what appeared to be a clear penalty.
Cameroon's Indomitable Lions demonstrated their championship pedigree with a 2-1 win over South Africa, sending Bafana Bafana home.
Egypt, the seven-time champions, were given a serious scare by Gernot Rohr's Benin. The Squirrels dragged the Pharaohs into extra time before goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mohamed Salah sealed a 2-0 win and crushed hopes of a major upset.
Nigeria's Super Eagles put in a commanding performance, giving Mozambique no chance in a 4-0 rout to progress to their 18th AFCON quarter-final.
Algeria were made to work extraordinarily hard by the DR Congo. The Leopards pushed the Desert Foxes all the way to extra time, where a late strike from Aldi Boulbina finally secured Algeria's passage.
Finally, the defending champions, Cote d'Ivoire, stamped their authority with a convincing 3-0 victory over Burkina Faso, with Amad Diallo getting on the scoresheet.
The Quarter-Final Fixtures
Following the conclusion of the Round of 16, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed the quarter-final pairings based on the pre-existing knockout bracket.
The fixtures are as follows:
- Mali vs Senegal – Friday, 9 January
- Cameroon vs Morocco – Friday, 9 January
- Egypt vs Cote d'Ivoire – Saturday, 10 January
- Nigeria vs Algeria – Saturday, 10 January
In related news, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has moved swiftly to address and quell rumours of a rift within the Super Eagles camp. Reports of a heated exchange between star players Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman had circulated in the media, but the federation has acted to ensure the team's focus remains squarely on the formidable challenge posed by Algeria.
