AFCON 2025 Quarter-final Line-up Confirmed As Last Two Emerge Today

AFCON 2025 Quarter-final Line-up Confirmed As Last Two Emerge Today 

By Niyi Busari 

The first knockout phase of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 will be concluded on Tuesday night, with the Round of 16 delivering drama, quality and decisive moments as the quarter-final line-up was confirmed, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

As Africa’s flagship football tournament enters its most critical phase, the results have highlighted the strength of the established contenders while once again underlining the fine margins that define AFCON football.

The Round of 16 marked the beginning of straight knockout action, bringing an end to the unpredictability of the group stage and reshaping the tournament landscape. For eight nations, the dream of continental glory remains alive; for the rest, the journey has come to an abrupt end.

Senegal were the first side to secure a place in the quarter-finals, continuing their impressive run with a composed victory over Sudan on Saturday. The former African champions once again demonstrated their consistency and tournament nous, reinforcing their credentials as serious title contenders.

Later the same day, Mali joined them after a dramatic encounter against Tunisia. Reduced to ten men for large periods, Mali showed remarkable resilience before prevailing in a penalty shoot-out to book their place in the last eight.

Tournament hosts Morocco followed on Sunday, edging past Tanzania 1–0 in Rabat. Backed by a fervent home crowd, the Atlas Lions displayed patience and control, with Brahim Díaz providing the decisive moment. The victory kept Morocco’s title ambitions firmly on track and strengthened belief that a long-awaited triumph 50 years after their last AFCON crown could be within reach.

Cameroon added their name to the quarter-final list later on Sunday after a hard-fought 2–1 victory over South Africa. The five-time champions once again showed their pedigree in knockout football, navigating a fiercely contested match to advance.

Their reward is a heavyweight quarter-final showdown against hosts Morocco, a fixture that promises intensity, history and continental significance.

Monday’s action saw Egypt overcome Benin 3–1 after extra time, with Mohamed Salah sealing the victory with the final kick of the match. Nigeria also progressed in emphatic fashion, dismantling Mozambique 4–0 as Victor Osimhen struck twice to guide the Super Eagles into the quarter-finals.

On Tuesday, Algeria edged past DR Congo 1–0 after extra time, thanks to a stunning long-range strike from substitute Adil Boulbina. Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire completed the quarter-final line-up later in the day, defeating neighbours Burkina Faso 3–0 in a commanding display.

The AFCON 2025 quarter-finals will be played on Friday 9 January and Saturday 10 January, as the tournament builds towards the final on 18 January at the 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