The quarter-final line-up for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 has been finalised, paving the way for a run of blockbuster encounters as the continent’s premier football tournament reaches its business end.
Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire and record seven-time winners Egypt headline a formidable last eight that also features former champions Senegal, Cameroon, Nigeria and Algeria. Completing the line-up are ambitious West African rivals Mali and tournament hosts Morocco, who will look to harness home advantage.
The eight teams sealed their places following the conclusion of an engrossing Round of 16 on Tuesday night, underlining the growing intensity and quality of Africa’s flagship competition.
Egypt, the most decorated nation in AFCON history, needed extra time to overcome a stubborn Benin side, while holders Côte d’Ivoire kept their title defence on track with a convincing 3-0 victory over Burkina Faso to sustain hopes of retaining the crown.
Hosts Morocco, backed by a passionate home crowd and buoyed by their status as the first African nation to reach a FIFA World Cup semi-final, edged past Tanzania to progress. Senegal, champions in 2021, continued their impressive run with a composed win over Sudan.
Mali once again showcased their resilience, eliminating Tunisia on penalties despite playing much of the match with ten men. Nigeria, meanwhile, sent a clear warning to their rivals with a commanding win over Mozambique, inspired by a Victor Osimhen brace. Algeria also required extra time to see off DR Congo, with substitute Adil Boulbina striking late to secure qualification.
The quarter-final stage is headlined by a mouthwatering clash between Egypt and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire on Saturday, a meeting of two of the continent’s most successful sides.
On Friday, hosts Morocco face a stern examination against five-time champions Cameroon in what promises to be one of the tournament’s most fiercely contested ties. Earlier that day, an all–West African encounter pits reigning champions Senegal against a resilient Mali side.
Saturday’s action begins with another heavyweight showdown as Nigeria take on Algeria, before Egypt and Côte d’Ivoire bring the curtain down on the last-eight fixtures.
With the quarter-finals spread over two days, the battle for continental supremacy intensifies in Morocco as the winners book their places in the semi-finals.
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
