The first knockout phase of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 came to an end on Tuesday night, with the Round of 16 delivering drama, quality, and defining moments as the quarter-finalists were confirmed, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
As Africa’s flagship football tournament enters its most decisive stage, the outcomes have reinforced the strength of established contenders while once again highlighting the fine margins that shape AFCON football.
The Round of 16 marked the transition into straight knockout action, effectively closing the chapter on the unpredictability of the group stage and reshaping the tournament landscape. For eight nations, the dream of continental glory remains alive, while for the rest, the journey ended abruptly after intense and often closely contested encounters.
Senegal were the first team to book a place in the quarter-finals, continuing their impressive run with a composed victory over Sudan on Saturday. The former African champions once again displayed their experience and consistency on the big stage, strengthening their status as one of the leading title contenders.
Later the same day, Mali joined them after a dramatic clash with Tunisia. Reduced to ten men for long spells of the encounter, Mali showed remarkable resilience and mental strength before prevailing via a penalty shoot-out to secure their place in the last eight.
Tournament hosts Morocco followed on Sunday, edging past Tanzania 1–0 in Rabat. Roared on by a passionate home crowd, the Atlas Lions exercised patience and control, with Brahim Díaz delivering the decisive moment. The win kept Morocco’s title hopes firmly on track and fuelled belief that a first AFCON triumph in 50 years could be within reach.
Cameroon added their name to the quarter-final list later on Sunday after grinding out a 2–1 victory over South Africa. The five-time champions once again demonstrated their pedigree in knockout football, navigating a fiercely contested contest to advance. Their reward is a blockbuster quarter-final against hosts Morocco, a fixture loaded with history, intensity, and continental significance.
Monday’s fixtures saw Egypt overcome Benin 3–1 after extra time, with Mohamed Salah sealing the victory with the final kick of the match. Nigeria also advanced decidedly, dismantling Mozambique 4–0 as Victor Osimhen struck twice to lead the Super Eagles into the quarter-finals with authority.
On Tuesday, Algeria edged past DR Congo 1–0 after extra time, courtesy of a stunning long-range effort from substitute Adil Boulbina. Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire completed the quarter-final line-up later in the day, producing a commanding display to defeat neighbours Burkina Faso 3–0.
The AFCON 2025 quarter-finals will be played on Friday, 9 January, and Saturday, 10 January, as the tournament builds momentum towards the final scheduled for 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
Côte d’Ivoire
Confirmed Quarter-Final Fixtures
Mali vs Senegal, Friday, 9 January
Cameroon vs Morocco, Friday, 9 January
Egypt vs Côte d’Ivoire, Saturday, 10 January
Nigeria vs Algeria, Saturday, 10 January
Oluwayemi Omolagba