AFCON 2025 Quarter-Final Pairings Confirmed
The final eight teams are set for the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations. With the Round of 16 in the rearview mirror, the quarter-finals now showcase a prestigious card of nations defined by their deep heritage and historic success on the continental stage.
A West African Derby in Tangier: Mali vs. Senegal
The quarter-final action begins on Friday, January 9, at the Grand Stade de Tanger, where Mali will face Senegal at 17:00 local time. This derby carries regional bragging rights. Historically, Senegal has enjoyed a dominant head-to-head record, but their AFCON history is surprisingly sparse, with their most notable tournament meeting being a 1-1 draw back in 2004. The Teranga Lions enter this match in formidable form after a 3-1 win over Sudan in the previous round, while the Mali Eagles showed immense grit to advance via a penalty shootout with 10 men against Tunisia.
The Hosts Meet the Indomitable Lions: Cameroon vs. Morocco
Later that Friday at 20:00, the atmosphere in Rabat is expected to be electric as the host nation, Morocco, faces Cameroon at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. This match is a collision of giants and a test of historical dominance. While Morocco is currently enjoying a golden era, Cameroon remains an unsolved puzzle in this tournament. Cameroon has historically won seven of their past encounters to Morocco’s two. The Atlas Lions will be looking to leverage their home-field advantage to finally overcome the Indomitable Lions, who have a storied reputation for rising to the occasion in the knockout stages of this competition.
A repeat of the 2019 semis in Marrakech: Algeria vs. Nigeria
On Saturday, January 10, the rivalry intensifies further when Algeria takes on Nigeria at 17:00 in Marrakech. This fixture is a highly anticipated rematch of the 2019 semi-final, a game etched in history by a last-minute Riyad Mahrez free-kick. The head-to-head record between these two sides is remarkably balanced, reflecting decades of competition for continental supremacy. Both teams arrive in the quarter-finals with high-scoring offenses; Nigeria has looked particularly dangerous in transition, while Algeria’s tactical flexibility makes them a threat in any scenario.
The Battle of the Titans: Egypt vs. Ivory Coast
The quarter-final round concludes on Saturday night at 20:00 in Agadir, where Egypt faces the Ivory Coast at the Adrar Stadium. These two nations are among the most decorated in African football history, boasting a combined ten titles. Egypt has traditionally held the psychological advantage in knockout scenarios, famously defeating the Elephants in the 2006 final and the 2008 semi-finals. However, as the defending champions, the Ivory Coast brings a star-studded squad determined to defend their crown. This match promises to be a tactical masterclass, pitting Egypt’s legendary defensive organization against the flair and depth of the Ivorian attack.
