Africa’s Football Giants Gear Up for AFCON Quarterfinals in Morocco
Addis Ababa, January 8, 2026 (FMC) — Eight national teams have advanced to the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, setting the stage for high-stakes clashes as Africa’s premier football tournament enters its decisive phase in host nation Morocco.
The Round of 16 concluded on Tuesday, confirming the last eight of the competition, which has produced intense matches and dramatic moments. Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire and record seven-time winners Egypt secured their spots in the quarterfinals alongside continental powerhouses Senegal, Cameroon, Nigeria, Algeria, Mali and hosts Morocco.
In the opening quarterfinal fixture scheduled for Friday, Mali will face 2021 champions Senegal in an all-West African contest. Mali advanced after a tense penalty shootout victory over Tunisia following a 1–1 draw, while Senegal came from behind to overcome Sudan 3–1 in the Round of 16. This matchup is expected to feature a clash of contrasting styles, with Senegal’s physical strength facing Mali’s tactical discipline.
Later on Friday, Cameroon will take on hosts Morocco. Cameroon progressed after defeating South Africa 2–1, while Morocco earned their place in the quarterfinals with a 1–0 win over Tanzania. Morocco will rely on the home advantage, with passionate local support potentially playing a decisive role in this high-pressure encounter.
Two more quarterfinal clashes are set for Saturday. Algeria will meet Nigeria after both sides delivered commanding performances in the previous round, while Egypt will face Côte d’Ivoire in one of the most anticipated matchups of the tournament. These fixtures feature several of Africa’s star players, including Sadio Mané (Senegal), Youssef En‑Nesyri (Morocco), Victor Osimhen (Nigeria), and Mohamed Salah (Egypt), who could each have decisive impacts on their team’s progression.
The winners of the Mali–Senegal and Egypt–Côte d’Ivoire matches will meet in the semifinals on January 14, while the victors of the Cameroon–Morocco and Algeria–Nigeria matches will contest the second semifinal. The AFCON final is scheduled to take place on January 18 in Rabat, with the third-place playoff set for January 17 in Casablanca.
Beyond the results, tactical battles and strategic approaches are expected to define the quarterfinals. Teams are likely to rely on set-pieces, quick transitions, and disciplined defending to gain an edge in tightly contested games. Progressing to the semifinals carries not only continental prestige but also boosts national football profiles and could influence FIFA rankings. Fans across Africa and its diaspora are also expected to be deeply engaged, turning homes, streets, and public venues into hubs of celebration and football excitement.
AFCON 2025 continues to showcase the intensity, passion and competitive spirit of African football as the continent’s top teams battle for its most prestigious trophy.