The round of 16 stage of AFCON 2025 delivered drama, heartbreak, and statement performances. Now, the quarter-finals promise to separate the pretenders from the genuine title challengers. Eight teams remain, but only four will advance to the semi-finals. Here’s what to expect from Morocco’s most anticipated AFCON weekend yet.
Friday, 9 January
Venue: Grand Stade de Tanger, Tangier | Kick-off: 17:00
Mali scraped through on penalties against Tunisia after Lassine Sinayoko’s 90+6′ spot-kick rescued them from embarrassment. Senegal, meanwhile, dismantled Sudan 3-1 with Pape Gueye’s first-half brace setting the tone. On paper, Senegal are the stronger side, but Mali have proven resilient when backs are against the wall. If Senegal’s defence shows the same vulnerabilities they displayed against Sudan’s early pressure, Mali’s counter-attacking threat could punish them. Expect a cagey affair with Senegal edging it, but don’t be shocked if this goes the distance.
Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat | Kick-off: 21:00
The hosts face their sternest test yet. Morocco have looked imperious, with Brahim Díaz leading the tournament’s scoring charts with four goals. Their 1-0 victory over Tanzania was clinical rather than spectacular, a sign of champions who know how to win ugly. Cameroon, however, showed steel against South Africa, holding on to win 2-1 with goals from Junior Tchamadeu and Christian Kofane. The Indomitable Lions thrive as underdogs, and with a partisan crowd potentially turning on Morocco if things go wrong, this could be the shock of the round. Morocco’s efficiency against Cameroon’s chaos. Something has to give.
Saturday, 10 January
Venue: Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech | Kick-off: 17:00
The headline fixture. The one everyone’s been waiting for. Nigeria and Algeria are the only two teams with perfect records heading into the quarter-finals, both winning all four matches. This is a rematch of the 2019 semi-final, won by Algeria en route to lifting the trophy. The psychological edge belongs to the Desert Foxes, but Nigeria’s form suggests they’re ready to exorcise those demons.
Algeria have been resolute defensively, conceding only one goal all tournament. Goalkeeper Luka Zidane, son of Zinedine, however, remains unbeaten. But their Round of 16 clash with DR Congo exposed vulnerabilities in creating chances, relying on substitute Adil Boulbina’s 119th-minute thunderbolt to avoid penalties. Nigeria, in contrast, have been ruthless. The 4-0 demolition of Mozambique saw Victor Osimhen finally find his stride with a brace, whilst Ademola Lookman continues to terrorise defences with three goals and four assists already.
The off-field drama surrounding unpaid bonuses threatened to derail Nigeria’s preparation, with players refusing to train or travel until the Nigerian Football Federation settled their dues. Whether that disruption affects their performance remains to be seen, but Algeria will be licking their lips at the possibility of internal discord. On quality alone, Nigeria edge it. Lookman is the tournament’s standout performer, and if Osimhen brings his A-game, Algeria’s defensive discipline will be tested like never before. But Algeria have the better-drilled unit, and in knockout football, organisation often trumps flair. This one’s going down to the wire.
Venue: Stade Adrar, Agadir | Kick-off: 20:00
The battle of the heavyweight reputations. Egypt needed extra time to see off Benin 3-1, with Mohamed Salah delivering the coup de grâce in the 120+4′ minute. The Pharaohs have looked vulnerable at times, but Salah’s presence alone makes them dangerous. When it matters, he delivers.
Ivory Coast, the defending champions, announced their arrival with authority. The 3-0 dismantling of Burkina Faso was clinical, with Amad Diallo, Yan Diomandé, and Bazoumana Touré all on the scoresheet. The Elephants are playing with the swagger of champions who know they belong here. Unlike Egypt’s laboured progression, Ivory Coast have looked comfortable throughout. Their depth, firepower, and tournament experience give them the edge. Egypt will need Salah to produce something magical because, on current form, the champions look destined for another semi-final appearance.
The Bigger Picture
Whilst holders Ivory Coast and hosts Morocco began the tournament as frontrunners, Nigeria have jostled to the front with near-faultless performances. Algeria’s quiet efficiency has made them the dark horse nobody wants to face. Senegal and Cameroon remain dangerous, whilst Egypt’s reliance on Salah makes them both vulnerable and lethal.
By the end of Saturday, we’ll know which four teams have earned the right to dream of Rabat and the final on 18 January. One thing’s certain: this weekend will define legacies.
