The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 has reached its quarterfinal stage, with eight nations competing for the title. The teams that have advanced to this stage are Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Morocco, Cameroon, and Mali. The quarterfinals will feature four matches, starting on January 9.
Morocco, the host nation, will face Cameroon at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 9. Morocco has relied on its defensive solidity and star players like Brahim Diaz and Achraf Hakimi to progress through the tournament. Cameroon, on the other hand, has a strong pedigree in AFCON matches and is known for its physical presence and mentality.
Another highly anticipated match is between Algeria and Nigeria, which will take place at the Stade de Marrakech in Marrakech on January 10. Nigeria has shown impressive attacking firepower, while Algeria has demonstrated tactical discipline and resilience. The Super Eagles defeated Mozambique 4-0 in the previous round, while Algeria overcame DR Congo 1-0 after extra time.
Egypt, the most successful nation in AFCON history with seven titles, will face defending champions Côte d’Ivoire at the Grand Stade d’Agadir in Agadir on January 10. Egypt’s path to the quarterfinals was challenging, but the team relied on experience and composure to secure a 3-1 extra-time victory over Benin. Côte d’Ivoire, on the other hand, arrives with momentum after an emphatic 3-0 win over Burkina Faso.
The final quarterfinal match will be between Mali and Senegal at the Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier on January 9. Senegal, the AFCON 2021 champions, has shown solidity and composure, while Mali has demonstrated discipline and compactness. The match promises to be an exciting West African derby, with both teams looking to advance to the semifinals.
The quarterfinals of the AFCON 2025 promise to be intense and exciting, with all eight teams having a strong chance of advancing to the next stage. The matches will be played on January 9 and 10, and the winners will proceed to the semifinals. The tournament is expected to reach its peak, with the best teams in Africa competing for the title.
