Morocco and Senegal have booked their places in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after quarter-final victories on Friday, as the tournament edges closer to its decisive climax.
Attention now turns to Saturday’s remaining two quarter-final encounters, which will determine the final semi-final line-up.
Record champions Egypt face defending title holders Côte d’Ivoire, before Nigeria meet Algeria in another heavyweight contest, with both winners set to join the Teranga Lions and Atlas Lions in the last four.
Senegal were the first side to secure progression, edging past Mali 1–0 in a fiercely contested West African derby.
Iliman Ndiaye proved the difference in the first half, finishing clinically before Senegal displayed discipline and composure to protect their slender advantage and seal a semi-final berth.
Host nation Morocco followed later on Friday, overcoming Cameroon to keep their title ambitions firmly on track and maintain strong home support momentum heading into the final stages.
As Africa’s flagship football competition enters its most demanding phase, the quarter-finals have once again highlighted the narrow margins that define AFCON, where experience, tactical discipline and moments of individual quality often prove decisive.
An unpredictable group stage had opened the door to several contenders, while the round of 16 trimmed the field to those still dreaming of continental glory.
Eight teams reached the quarter-finals by different routes, united by a single objective: staying alive in the race for the trophy.
On Saturday, Nigeria stunned Algeria 2-0 to book a place in the last four. Goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams sealed the win for the Super Eagles.
Nigeria will now face hosts, Morocco in the semifinals.
In the final quarterfinal game, Egypt recorded a hard-fought 3-2 win over defending champions, Ivory Coast at the Adrar Stadium.
Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush broke the deadlock before Rami Rabia increased the tally for the Egyptians.
With five minutes to end the first half, Ahmed Abou El Fotouh scored an own goal to make it 2-1.
After recess, Mohamed Salah made things difficult for the defending champions by scoring in the 52nd minute.
However, Guela Doué scored a consolation in the 73rd minute to end the game 3-2.
Egypt will now face Senegal in the semifinals of the AFCON on Wednesday at the Tangier Grand Stadium.
AFCON 2025 semi-finalists confirmed so far:
Senegal
Morocco
Nigeria
Egypt
