The quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations promise intense matchups among continent's soccer giants. Heavyweights like Senegal, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Algeria, Morocco and Cameroon advance after strong round-of-16 performances. Seven of the eight teams are former champions, setting the stage for potential finals.
Unlike the 2023 edition dominated by underdogs such as Cape Verde, Angola, Guinea, South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the 2025 Afcon has seen a return to form for established powers including Egypt, Cameroon, Morocco, Algeria and Senegal.
The quarterfinal lineup begins with Mali facing 2021 champions Senegal on Friday, 9 January, at 6pm South African time. Senegal, featuring stars like Sadio Mané and Kalidou Koulibaly, holds a strong historical edge with 19 wins in 40 meetings against Mali, who have eight victories and 13 draws. Senegal advanced by thrashing Sudan 3-1, while Mali secured a 3-2 penalty shootout win over Tunisia despite playing most of the match with 10 men after Woyo Coulibaly's red card.
The winner meets either seven-time champions Egypt or defending champions Ivory Coast on Saturday at 9pm. This will be their 22nd encounter, with Egypt leading 11-6 in wins and four draws. Egypt progressed via a 3-1 extra-time victory over Benin, and Ivory Coast defended their title with a 3-0 win against Burkina Faso.
Senegal's Mané, in his sixth Afcon, emphasized handling pressure: “The further we progress in the Africa Cup of Nations, the more the pressure increases. But I have enough experience to deal with this type of pressure... I always tell the players to remain calm no matter what happens, because the best team does not always win this tournament.”
Meanwhile, Nigeria and Algeria clash on Saturday, 10 January, at 6pm, after Nigeria's 3-0 defeat of Mozambique and Algeria's 1-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo. That victor faces host Morocco or five-time champions Cameroon, who kick off Friday at 9pm. Morocco edged Tanzania 1-0 with a goal from Brahim Díaz, though coach Walid Regragui noted: “We were not at our level completely. We wasted numerous chances... and a lot of tension.” Cameroon features young talent like Amad Diallo and will challenge the home side amid high expectations.
