AFCON 2025 enters its knockout phase as eight teams, from hosts Morocco to defending champions Côte d’Ivoire, prepare for quarter-final clashes that embody African football’s passion and elite competition.
Africa Cup of Nations — RABAT, MOROCCO — 2026-01-09 — The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 has reached its quarter-final stage with all eight teams and matchups now confirmed following the completion of the Round of 16, the Confederation of African Football announced on its official website and social channels.
The quarter-final fixtures over January 9–10, 2026, line up classic continental powers and rising contenders in four knockout ties that promise intensity, history, and tactical drama. Representatives from North, West, and Central Africa are all competing for limited semi-final slots as the tournament enters its decisive phase.
Fixtures and Key Matchups
Confirmed quarter-final pairings are:
Mali vs Senegal — Friday, January 9 — Grand Stade de Tanger, Tangier.
Cameroon vs Morocco — Friday, January 9 — Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat.
Algeria vs Nigeria — Saturday, January 10 — Marrakesh Stadium, Marrakesh.
Egypt vs Côte d’Ivoire — Saturday, January 10 — Adrar Stadium, Agadir.
These matches pit historic champions and continental stalwarts against each other: Egypt remains Africa’s most decorated nation with seven AFCON titles; Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions have five; Nigeria and Ivory Coast have three each; Algeria holds two; Senegal and host Morocco each boast one; and Mali seeks its first-ever title. The cumulative title count among quarter-finalists stands at 22.
Reactions
Officials and analysts. CAF officials have described the draw as one of the most balanced in recent memory, highlighting the mix of pedigree and underdog narratives that define the current AFCON edition. Technical directors noted that tactical versatility and squad depth will be key in navigating the high stakes of knockout football.
Teams and players. Senegal and Mali headline Friday’s action in a West African derby laden with pace and physicality. In Tangier, Senegal’s experience will meet Mali’s resilience — the latter having advanced dramatically through penalties in the Round of 16.
Cameroon’s quarter-final clash with hosts Morocco in Rabat brings together two of the continent’s most passionate footballing cultures. Algeria and Nigeria’s Saturday meeting promises flair and efficiency, while Egypt and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire will battle for a semifinal berth in Agadir.
Fans and commentators. Social media from CAF’s official channels has been active with player highlights and previews of the quarter-final phase, teasing followers to track marquee names such as Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Victor Osimhen (Nigeria), and Morocco’s Brahim Díaz among top performers to watch.
AFCON 2025, hosted by Morocco, has been defined by competitive group stages and unpredictable knockout ties, reflecting broader trends in African football: tactical parity, improved infrastructure, and a generation of talent challenging historical hierarchies. Quarter-final matchups blend tradition with emerging narratives, where every goal and tactical adjustment could shift momentum.
The tournament not only crowns continental supremacy but also offers a platform for players to attract global club interest ahead of upcoming international windows. For host cities like Rabat, Tangier, Marrakesh, and Agadir, the games drive tourism, media engagement, and local economic activity tied to sports culture and hospitality.
What’s Next
CAF will release exact kickoff times in local Moroccan time and matchday protocols ahead of Friday’s action. Winners of the quarter-final ties will advance to the semi-finals on January 14, setting the stage for a continental climax at the final on January 18, 2026, back at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
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