The knockout phase of the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco is gathering pace, with four teams already securing places in the quarter-finals as the Round of 16 fixtures unfold.
Senegal became the first side to advance on Saturday, maintaining their impressive unbeaten run at the tournament with a composed victory over Sudan. Later the same day, Mali joined the Teranga Lions in the last eight after edging Tunisia on penalties, despite being reduced to 10 men for a significant portion of the encounter.
On Sunday, tournament hosts Morocco delighted home supporters in Rabat with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Tanzania. The Atlas Lions dominated proceedings and eventually found the decisive breakthrough through Brahim Díaz to book their place in the quarter-finals.
Cameroon claimed the fourth quarter-final slot later on Sunday, following a 2–1 win against South Africa in a keenly contested tie.
Attention now shifts to the remaining Round of 16 matches scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. Nigeria will take on Mozambique, Egypt face Benin, Algeria clash with DR Congo, while defending champions Côte d’Ivoire are set for a stern test against Burkina Faso.
The outcomes of these fixtures will complete the quarter-final line-up and further define the route to the final.
The AFCON 2025 quarter-finals are scheduled for Friday, January 9, and Saturday, January 10, with the final slated for January 18 at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.
Teams qualified for the quarter-finals so far:
Senegal
Mali
Morocco
Cameroon
Confirmed quarter-final fixtures:
Mali vs Senegal – Friday, January 9
Cameroon vs Morocco – Friday, January 9
