The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 reaches its decisive phase with a quarter-final line-up that reflects the tournament’s prestige and depth. Seven of the eight remaining nations are former African champions, and between them, the contenders boast 22 AFCON titles, setting the stage for a fiercely contested run to the final.
Senegal vs Mali
Grande Stade de Tanger – Jan 9
Senegal and Mali open the quarter-final programme in Tangier in a West African derby steeped in familiarity and quiet rivalry. Senegal have enjoyed continuity, playing all four of their matches at the venue, while Mali arrive after travelling between Casablanca and Rabat.
This is only the second meeting between the sides at the AFCON finals, the first coming in 2004 when they played out a 1-1 draw in the group stage. Senegal, however, hold a commanding overall edge, leading the head-to-head with 19 wins to Mali’s eight across 40 meetings, and remain unbeaten in their last 13 encounters.
Senegal have also historically had the upper hand at AFCON, having qualified for the tournament for the first time in 1965 at Mali’s expense. With pedigree, form, and familiarity with their surroundings, the reigning champions start as favourites — but Mali’s resilience keeps the contest finely balanced.
Morocco vs Cameroon
Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat – Jan 9
Hosts Morocco face one of the tournament’s most feared knockout specialists when they take on five-time champions Cameroon in Rabat. While the Atlas Lions carry home support, AFCON history offers Cameroon considerable encouragement.
This will be the fourth AFCON finals meeting between the sides, with Cameroon unbeaten in the previous three. Their reputation against host nations is particularly imposing. Cameroon have faced AFCON hosts in knockout rounds six times, losing only once — in the 1986 final against Egypt.
They have since defeated Morocco in the 1988 semi-final, Senegal in the 1992 quarter-final, Nigeria on penalties in the 2000 final, Mali in the 2002 semi-final, and Ghana in the 2008 semi-final. Overall, Cameroon have faced hosts 13 times, recording six wins, five draws and just two defeats, while keeping nine clean sheets in those encounters.
Morocco can, however, take confidence from recent results, having won the last two meetings between the sides, including a 2-0 win in AFCON 2019 qualifying and a commanding 4-0 victory at the 2020 CHAN.
With home advantage and momentum, the Atlas Lions will aim to rewrite history — but Cameroon remain masters of spoiling host nation ambitions.
Nigeria vs Algeria
Marrakesh – Jan 10
Nigeria arrive as the tournament’s most complete and explosive side. The Super Eagles lead the competition in goals scored, shots attempted, and passes completed, with Alex Iwobi orchestrating midfield control and an attacking quartet of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Akor Adams providing relentless threat.
Algeria, meanwhile, have shown flashes of brilliance but arrive under a cloud of fatigue after requiring extra time to overcome DR Congo in the Round of 16. Defensive vulnerabilities were exposed, and concerns linger over whether the Fennecs are peaking too early.
While Algeria’s attacking options remain dangerous, Nigeria’s balance, tempo, and attacking cohesion give them a clear edge — though off-field tensions within the Super Eagles camp add a note of uncertainty to a mouth-watering encounter.
Historically, the two sides have met 22 times, with Algeria holding a slight edge — winning 10 matches to Nigeria’s nine, while three encounters have ended in draw
Egypt vs Ivory Coast
Marrakesh –Jan 10
Defending champions Ivory Coast enter the final quarter-final as favourites based on form and cohesion. The Elephants have looked physically dominant and tactically assured, with Amad Diallo emerging as one of the tournament’s standout performers, supported by a powerful midfield anchored by Franck Kessié and Ibrahim Sangaré.
Egypt, in contrast, have laboured through the tournament. Aside from isolated flashes from Omar Marmoush, much of their attacking burden has fallen on Mohamed Salah, whose three goals have masked deeper structural issues.
Yet Egypt’s AFCON pedigree defies conventional analysis. They are the team who claimed silver in 2021 despite not winning a single knockout match in 90 minutes and scoring just four goals across seven matches, underlining their remarkable ability to survive and advance even when underperforming.
That history ensures the Pharaohs cannot be dismissed, but on current evidence, Ivory Coast’s cohesion, depth, and attacking variety make them deserving favourites in a clash unlikely to hinge on tactical subtlety but rich in individual quality.
The two sides have met 21 times, with Egypt recording 11 victories, Ivory Coast claiming six wins, while four encounters have ended in draw
A Quarter-final Steeped in History
Seven former champions remain: Egypt (7 titles), Cameroon (5), Ivory Coast (3), Nigeria(3), Algeria(2), Senegal (1), and hosts Morocco(1), with Mali the lone nation still seeking a first continental crown.
With giants colliding and history hanging heavily over every tie, the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals promise drama, intensity, and moments that will define Africa’s premier football tournament.
Source: CAF AFCON, ESPN, Yahoo Sports
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