The knockout phase of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 is gathering serious momentum, with the Round of 16 now concluded and the quarter-final line-up officially confirmed.

As Africa’s biggest football tournament enters its most decisive stage, the early knockout results have highlighted both the dominance of established heavyweights and the razor-thin margins that continue to define AFCON football.

The Round of 16 marked the start of do-or-die action, where a single mistake could end a nation’s campaign. After an unpredictable group stage that opened the door for several contenders, eight teams have now emerged with their title dreams intact.

Senegal set the pace

Senegal were the first nation to book a place in the quarter-finals, overcoming Sudan on Saturday. The former African champions extended their impressive unbeaten run at the tournament, once again underlining their consistency and tournament experience.

Related Article: Senegal beat Sudan to reach AFCON 2025 Quarter-Finals

Mali show grit against Tunisia

Later on Saturday, Mali secured qualification in dramatic fashion, edging Tunisia on penalties. Despite playing large parts of the contest with ten men, Mali held their nerve to advance, delivering one of the most resilient performances of the knockout phase so far.

Related Article: 10-man Mali beat Tunisia on penalties to reach AFCON 2025 Quarter-Finals

Hosts Morocco march on

Tournament hosts Morocco followed on Sunday with a narrow but controlled 1–0 victory over Tanzania in Rabat. Backed by a passionate home crowd, the Atlas Lions displayed patience and composure, with Brahim Díaz providing the decisive moment.

The win kept Morocco’s title hopes alive and strengthened belief that this could finally be their year, five decades after their last AFCON triumph.

Related Article: Morocco beat Tanzania 1–0 to reach AFCON 2025 Quarter-Finals

Cameroon edge South Africa in thriller

Cameroon became the fourth team to qualify after a dramatic 2–1 win over South Africa. The five-time champions once again demonstrated their pedigree in knockout football, finding a way through in a fiercely contested encounter.

Their reward is a blockbuster quarter-final showdown against hosts Morocco, a clash rich in history and continental prestige.

Related Article: Cameroon end South Africa’s AFCON run, set up Quarter-Final clash with Morocco

Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria and Ivory Coast complete the Line-Up

The remaining Round of 16 fixtures were decided across Monday and Tuesday:

• Egypt defeated Benin 3–1 after extra time, with Mohamed Salah sealing the win with the final kick of the game.
• Nigeria booked their place in emphatic fashion, hammering Mozambique 4–0, with Victor Osimhen scoring twice as the Super Eagles powered through.
• Algeria edged DR Congo 1–0 after extra time, thanks to a stunning late long-range strike from substitute Adil Boulbina.
• Defending champions Ivory Coast rounded off the Round of 16 with a convincing 3–0 victory over Burkina Faso, continuing their title defence in style.

Related Articles:

• AFCON 2025: Nigeria thrash Mozambique 4-0 to storm into Quarter-Finals
• Late Boulbina strike sends Algeria into AFCON 2025 Quarter-Finals after DR Congo battle
• AFCON 2025: Salah strikes in extra-time as Egypt defeat Benin to reach Quarter-Finals
• Diallo shines as Ivory Coast ease past Burkina Faso to reach AFCON 2025 Quarter-Finals

AFCON 2025 Quarter-Finals Schedule

The quarter-finals of AFCON 2025 will be played across Friday 9 January and Saturday 10 January, as the tournament builds toward the final on 18 January at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.

Teams Qualified for the AFCON 2025 Quarter-Finals

• Senegal
• Mali
• Morocco
• Cameroon
• Egypt
• Nigeria
• Algeria
• Ivory Coast

Confirmed AFCON 2025 Quarter-Final Fixtures

• Mali vs Senegal – Friday, 9 January
• Cameroon vs Morocco – Friday, 9 January
• Egypt vs Ivory Coast – Saturday, 10 January
• Nigeria vs Algeria – Saturday, 10 January

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