AFCON 2025: Quarter-Final Fixtures Set After Round of 16 Clashes
The opening knockout round of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 concluded on Tuesday night, with the Round of 16 bringing clarity to a tournament that had been wide open since the group stage. As Africa’s premier football spectacle enters its most decisive phase, the results have highlighted both the strength of the established contenders and the razor-thin margins that continue to define AFCON football.
The last-16 marked the shift to straight knockout action, where every moment carried heightened consequence. After an unpredictable group stage that gave several sides hope, the Round of 16 ultimately separated those still chasing continental glory from those whose campaigns ended abruptly.
Eight nations have now booked their places in the quarter-finals, progressing in different ways but united by the same objective: staying alive in the title race.
Senegal were the first to advance on Saturday, extending their impressive unbeaten run by overcoming Sudan. The former champions once again underlined their consistency and pedigree on the continental stage.
Later the same day, Mali showed resilience and character, defeating Tunisia on penalties despite spending long spells with ten men.
Tournament hosts Morocco followed on Sunday with a composed 1–0 victory over Tanzania in Rabat. In front of a passionate home crowd, the Atlas Lions displayed patience and maturity, with Brahim Díaz providing the decisive moment. The win strengthened belief that this could finally be Morocco’s year, half a century after their last AFCON triumph.
Later that evening, Cameroon added their name to the quarter-final list after a dramatic 2–1 win over South Africa. The five-time champions once again demonstrated their knack for knockout football and were rewarded with a blockbuster quarter-final against the hosts.
On Monday, Egypt edged past Benin 3–1 after extra time, with Mohamed Salah sealing the win with the final kick of the match. Nigeria also progressed in emphatic fashion, dismantling Mozambique 4–0 as Victor Osimhen struck twice.
Tuesday’s action saw Algeria overcome DR Congo 1–0 after extra time, courtesy of a stunning long-range effort from substitute Adil Boulbina. Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire then completed the quarter-final line-up with a convincing 3–0 win over neighbours Burkina Faso.
The quarter-finals of AFCON 2025 will take place on Friday 9 January and Saturday 10 January, with the tournament building toward the final on 18 January at Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.
Teams qualified for the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals
Senegal
Mali
Morocco
Cameroon
Egypt
Nigeria
Algeria
Côte d’Ivoire
Confirmed quarter-final fixtures
Mali vs Senegal – Friday, 9 January
Cameroon vs Morocco – Friday, 9 January
Egypt vs Côte d’Ivoire – Saturday, 10 January
Nigeria vs Algeria – Saturday, 10 January