The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 quarter-finals are set to deliver some of the most compelling matchups in recent tournament history, featuring eight teams with a combined 20 titles and representing seven of the top 10 ranked nations on the continent.
With the round of 16 concluded as of January 6, 2026, the knockout stage intensifies on January 9 and 10 across Morocco’s world-class venues.
The action begins on Friday, January 9, in Tangier with a classic West African showdown:
Mali versus Senegal at 5:00 PM local time (4:00 PM GMT).
Senegal, the 2021 champions and one of the pre-tournament favorites, have maintained an unbeaten streak, topping their group before dispatching Sudan 3-1 in the last 16.
Led by stars like Sadio Mané, who has contributed goals and assists, they boast depth and experience. Mali, remarkably, reached this stage without a single regulation-time victory—drawing all group games (including against hosts Morocco) and overcoming Tunisia on penalties after a dramatic 1-1 draw (with a late equalizer despite being reduced to ten men).
Their resilience, spearheaded by forward Lassine Sinayoko (a top scorer with three goals), makes them dangerous underdogs in a rivalry where the last three encounters ended level.
That evening shifts to Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium for the headline clash:
Cameroon against hosts Moroccoat 8:00 PM local time (7:00 PM GMT).
Morocco, Africa’s highest-ranked side and bidding for a first title since 1976, have leaned on Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz—who became the first Moroccan to score in four consecutive AFCON games—and Achraf Hakimi’s leadership.
They dominated possession in a hard-fought 1-0 round-of-16 win over Tanzania. Cameroon, five-time winners with a knack for knockout heroics, edged South Africa 2-1 and bring veteran flair to challenge the home crowd’s electric support in what promises to be a tactical battle rich in history (Cameroon leads head-to-heads 4-3).
Saturday, January 10, features two more blockbusters.
In Marrakech, Algeria face Nigeria at 5:00 PM local time, pitting the 2019 champions (who needed extra-time drama to beat DR Congo 1-0) against the Super Eagles, who have looked sharp with players like Victor Osimhen.
The day closes in Agadir with Egypt versus defending champions Côte d’Ivoire at 8:00 PM local time—a rematch of the 2006 final won by Egypt, who relied on Mohamed Salah’s late extra-time heroics to overcome Benin 3-1, while the Elephants cruised 3-0 past Burkina Faso.
This lineup—packed with heavyweights like seven-time winners Egypt, three-time champions Nigeria, and perennial contenders Algeria and Côte d’Ivoire—ensures no easy paths to the January 18 final in Rabat.
Expect high intensity, regional pride, and the unpredictable magic that defines African football’s premier event.