The knockout phase of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 is gathering momentum, with the Round of 16 under way and the first quarter-finalists already confirmed.
As Africa’s premier football competition enters its most decisive stage, early results have highlighted the strength of the leading contenders and the narrow margins that continue to define AFCON football.
The Round of 16 signals the beginning of straight knockout action, where a single result can transform a nation’s fortunes. After a lively and unpredictable group stage that left the door open for several challengers, attention has now shifted to who can withstand the pressure of elimination football.
Four teams have so far secured their places in the quarter-finals, each navigating the last-16 hurdle in different fashion but united by the same ambition of staying in the title race.
Senegal were the first to progress, booking their quarter-final place on Saturday with a composed victory over Sudan. The former champions maintained their impressive unbeaten run, further underlining their credentials as one of the tournament’s most reliable sides.
Later that day, Mali showed remarkable resilience to edge past Tunisia on penalties, despite spending large portions of the match with ten men. The Eagles’ grit and discipline proved decisive in a tense encounter.
On Sunday, hosts Morocco joined the quarter-final line-up with a narrow but controlled 1–0 win over Tanzania in Rabat. Backed by a passionate home crowd, the Atlas Lions displayed patience and maturity, with Brahim Díaz delivering the decisive moment. The victory strengthened Morocco’s belief that this tournament could mark a long-awaited return to continental glory, 50 years after their last AFCON title.
Cameroon completed the quartet of qualified teams after a dramatic 2–1 triumph over South Africa. The five-time African champions once again demonstrated their pedigree in knockout football, finding a way through a fiercely contested contest.
That result sets up a heavyweight quarter-final showdown between Cameroon and hosts Morocco, a fixture rich in history and intensity.
Elsewhere, several Round of 16 matches remain, with more heavyweights still to confirm their passage. Egypt face Benin, Nigeria take on Mozambique, Algeria meet DR Congo, while defending champions Côte d’Ivoire are up against Burkina Faso.
Those outcomes will complete the quarter-final line-up and further shape the road to the final.
The AFCON 2025 quarter-finals are scheduled for Friday, 9 January and Saturday, 10 January, with the tournament building towards the final on 18 January at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.
Teams qualified for the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals (so far):
Senegal
Mali
Morocco
Cameroon
Nigeria
Egypt
Confirmed quarter-final fixtures:
Mali vs Senegal – Friday, 9 January
Cameroon vs Morocco – Friday, 9 January
Egypt v (Winner of Cote d’Ivoire v Burkina Faso) – Saturday, 10 January
Nigeria v (Winner of Algeria v DR Congo) – Saturday, 10 January
