The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Quarterfinals commence on Friday, January 9 and Saturday, January 10, 2026, featuring the eight strongest African nations fighting for four semifinal spots.
After an unpredictable 2025 Africa Cup of Nations group stage and dramatic Round of 16 matches, the knockout stage drama intensifies with Mali vs Senegal, Cameroon vs Morocco, Egypt vs Côte d’Ivoire, and Algeria vs Nigeria set to determine Africa’s championship finalists.
AFCON 2025 Quarterfinals Schedule
Whether defending champions Côte d’Ivoire retain their title, host nation Morocco captures their first championship in 50 years, or traditional powerhouses Senegal, Nigeria, Egypt, and Algeria emerge victorious, the January 9-10 quarterfinals will determine which four nations reach the January 18 final in Rabat.
Friday, January 9, 2026
Quarterfinal 1: Mali vs Senegal (0-1)
- Venue: Ibn Batouta Stadium, Tangier
- Kick-off Time: 6:00 PM (GMT+1)
- Significance: West African powerhouse showdown between former champions
Quarterfinal 2: Cameroon vs Morocco (0-2)(Brahim Díaz, Ismael Saibari)
- Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
- Kick-off Time: 8:30 PM (GMT+1)
- Significance: Defending champions vs. host nation in mouth-watering clash
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Quarterfinal 3: Egypt vs Côte d’Ivoire (3-2)
- Venue: Grand Stade de Marrakech, Marrakec
- Kick-off Time: 6:00 PM (GMT+1)
- Significance: Egypt’s redemption opportunity against defending AFCON champions
Quarterfinal 4: Algeria vs Nigeria (0-2)
- Venue: Grand Stade d’Agadir, Agadir
- Kick-off Time: 8:30 PM (GMT+1)
- Significance: North African power vs. West African giant
Eight Qualified Teams – How They Reached AFCON 2025 Quarterfinals
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Quarterfinals on January 9-10 represent African football at its absolute best. With Mali vs Senegal’s West African intensity, Cameroon vs Morocco’s host-nation drama, Egypt vs. Côte d’Ivoire’s champion clash, and Algeria vs. Nigeria’s powerhouse showdown, the quarterfinals promise unforgettable continental football.
Friday Quarterfinal Teams
Mali – Secured semi-final spot after beating Mali by 0-1 (Iliman Ndiaye).
- Key Achievement: Defeated 10-man Tunisia despite adversity
- Playing Style: Midfield-dominant with creative attacking flair
Senegal – First team to qualify in quarter finals, unbeaten streak continues
- Key Achievement: Overcoming Sudan convincingly in the Round of 16
- Playing Style: Defensive solidity with counterattacking brilliance
Cameroon – Five-time African champions showing pedigree in knockout football
- Key Achievement: Dramatic 2-1 victory over South Africa
- Playing Style: Experience-driven with clinical finishing
Morocco – Host nation advantage and home crowd support
- Key Achievement: Controlled 1-0 victory over Tanzania with Brahim Díaz goal
- Playing Style: Patient, possession-based football with tactical maturity
Saturday Quarterfinal Teams
Egypt – Mohammed Salah scores a dramatic winner vs Benin in extra time in the round of 16
- Key Achievement: 3-1 victory after extra-time thriller
- Playing Style: Clinical finishing with world-class attacking players
Nigeria – Dominant 4-0 demolition of Mozambique
- Key Achievement: Victor Osimhen brace showcases attacking prowess
- Playing Style: Attacking-minded with pace and power upfront
Algeria – Extra-time heroics vs. DR Congo
- Key Achievement: Adil Boulbina’s fantastic long-range strike secures progression
- Playing Style: Defensive resilience with creative midfielder breakthroughs
Côte d’Ivoire – Defending champions crushing Burkina Faso 3-0
- Key Achievement: Dominant display confirming championship credentials
- Playing Style: Possession-dominant with attacking flair
Quarterfinal Predictions & Analysis
Mali vs Senegal – “Battle of the Lions”
Head-to-Head History: Senegal and Mali have met competitively before in AFCON
Mali Strengths:
- Midfield creativity with Lasina Sakho at center
- Showed resilience overcoming 10-man disadvantage vs. Tunisia
- Technical mastery in possession
Senegal Strengths:
- Unbeaten tournament run with consistent performances
- Defensive stability protecting attacking opportunities
- “Lions of Teranga” reputation for big-match performances
Prediction: Senegal slight favorites due to unbeaten run and defensive organization
Cameroon vs Morocco – “Continental Heavyweights”
Cameroon Strengths:
- Five-time AFCON champions showcasing pedigree
- Proven ability in knockout competition
- Experience-laden squad with clinical finishers
Morocco Strengths:
- Home advantage in Rabat – passionate crowd support
- Patient, technically superior possession-based football
- 50-year quest for AFCON title adds psychological intensity
Prediction: Morocco 60-40 favorites with home advantage
Egypt vs Côte d’Ivoire – “Champions’ Challenge”
Egypt Strengths:
- Mohammed Salah’s world-class attacking talent
- Extra-time victory experience showing mental resilience
- Seven-time AFCON champions legacy
Côte d’Ivoire Strengths:
- Defending champions defending continental title
- Dominant 3-0 victory over Burkina Faso showing championship form
- Confident momentum entering knockout stage
Prediction: Côte d’Ivoire slight favorites as defending champions
Algeria vs Nigeria – “African Powerhouses”
Algeria Strengths:
- Rolling through group stage with dominant performances
- Extra-time victory showing tournament depth
- North African football tradition of hard-to-beat defenses
Nigeria Strengths:
- Victor Osimhen’s brace demonstrating attacking potency
- Explosive 4-0 victory showing confidence
- Super Eagles reputation as tournament favorites
Prediction: Nigeria slight favorites due to attacking firepower
Tournament Venues – Quarterfinal Stadiums
| Quarterfinal | Stadium | City | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mali vs Senegal | Ibn Batouta Stadium | Tangier | 75,000 |
| Cameroon vs Morocco | Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium | Rabat | 69,500 |
| Egypt vs Côte d’Ivoire | Grand Stade de Marrakech | Marrakech | 45,240 |
| Algeria vs Nigeria | Grand Stade d’Agadir | Agadir | 45,480 |
Tournament Timeline – Remaining Fixtures
| Stage | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterfinals | January 9-10, 2026 | Various venues |
| Semifinals | January 14, 2026 | Tangier & Rabat |
| Third-Place Playoff | January 17, 2026 | Casablanca |
| Final | January 18, 2026 | Rabat |
Key Match Facts & Storylines
Home Advantage Thriller: Morocco’s Rabat venue gives them psychological edge against Cameroon
Experience vs. Hunger: Cameroon’s five titles vs. Morocco’s 50-year drought creates compelling narrative
Defending Champions Tested: Côte d’Ivoire’s dominant group performance faces Egypt’s Salah brilliance
Super Eagles Power: Nigeria’s 4-0 thrashing showcases attacking credentials
