The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has reached its sharpest edge, with four heavyweight quarterfinals promising drama, history and unrelenting intensity as the road to continental glory narrows.
Friday’s action opens with Mali v Senegal (18:00), a West African derby layered with contrast.
Mali have been resilient rather than spectacular, finishing runners-up in Group A after three draws before edging Tunisia on penalties in a tense round-of-16 encounter.
They remain the only team left never to have lifted the AFCON trophy, a statistic that sharpens both belief and burden.
Senegal, by contrast, look every inch contenders. Unbeaten atop Group D, they underlined their credentials by dispatching Sudan 3-1, with Pape Gueye’s brace showcasing their midfield thrust and attacking balance.
Mali’s discipline and Senegal’s power make for a fascinating clash of styles.
The quarterfinal chess match pits Pape Thiaw’s compact, transition-focused Senegal against Tom Saintfiet’s meticulously drilled Mali.
Thiaw’s emphasis on structure and moments contrasts with Saintfiet’s adaptive pressing and game management, turning touchline decisions, in-game tweaks and substitutions into decisive weapons as margins tighten in knockout football.
The evening brings the hosts into focus as Cameroon face Morocco (21:00). Cameroon, runners-up in Group F, produced one of the round-of-16’s most assured performances by outclassing South Africa 2-1, with Junior Tchamadeu and Christian Kofane finding the net.
Morocco, driven by home support and expectation, continue their long wait for a first AFCON crown since 1976.
After topping Group A, they were made to work hard for a narrow 1-0 win over Tanzania, sealed by the in-form Brahim Diaz, who has now scored in every game at the tournament.
Coach Walid Regragui was characteristically demanding afterwards: “We scored at the best possible time, which is good. A match like this helps us get into the knockout stage mindset. As a coach, I am never satisfied with what we presented in the first half. Thanks to the fans who pushed us, and now we will focus on the quarterfinals.”
The tactical subplot contrasts David Pagou’s swift, pragmatic imprint after taking charge on the eve of the tournament with Walid Regragui’s well-drilled, possession-savvy Morocco.
Pagou must balance simplicity and belief, while Regragui leans on cohesion, pressing triggers and controlled aggression to manage expectations and impose authority on home soil.
With momentum on their side, Morocco know refinement, not romance, will be required.
Saturday raises the stakes further. Algeria v Nigeria (18:00) pits control against explosiveness.
Algeria swept Group E with three wins but were stretched to extra time by DR Congo in the last 16, eventually progressing thanks to a ferocious Adil Boulbina strike.
Nigeria, however, have been ruthless. Winners of Group C, they demolished Mozambique 4-0, with the front three of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams striking fear across the continent.
Riyad Mahrez’s silk and guile meet Ademola Lookman’s direct thrust in this quarterfinal duel ofequals. Both have three goals, but Lookman’s four assists tilt Nigeria’s edge.
Algeria rely onMahrez’s control; Nigeria bet on Lookman’s pace, movement, and ruthless end product. Saturday’s clash could swing on moments of brilliance.
Coach Eric Chelle struck a measured note amid the praise: “I am happy about this game. This is an important victory with four goals to signal our statement of intent but this is only one game. My duty now is to stay ambitious, train a lot, and maintain the intensity and aggressiveness of the team.”
The last quarterfinal sees royalty collide as Egypt meet Ivory Coast (21:00). Egypt topped Group B and survived a major scare against Benin, needing extra time to prevail 3-1.
Ivory Coast, the reigning champions, look ominous after topping Group F and sweeping aside Burkina Faso 3-0, with goals from Amad Diallo, Yan Diomande and BazoumanaToure.
Experience meets confidence in a tie that feels worthy of a final.
Mohamed Salah’s authority and end product face Amad Diallo’s flair and fearlessness in a heavyweight quarterfinal duel. Salah brings goals, leadership and decisive moments, while Amadoffers unpredictability, dribbling and creative spark.
Egypt lean on proven pedigree; Ivory Coasttrust youthful energy. One wing duel could tilt the contest.
Four matches, eight giants, and only four places left. AFCON 2025 is poised for a weekend that could redefine legacies.
AFCON Quarterfinal broadcast details
Friday 9 January
18:00: Mali v Senegal – LIVE on SuperSport AFCON and SuperSport Maximo 360
21:00: Cameroon v Morocco –LIVE on SuperSport AFCON and SuperSport Maximo 360
Saturday 10 January
18:00: Algeria v Nigeria –LIVE on SuperSport AFCON and SuperSport Maximo 360
21:00: Egypt v Ivory Coast –LIVE on SuperSport AFCON and SuperSport Maximo 360
