They are still here, still in contention for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title. The pre-tournament favorites for this 2025 edition have navigated past the first knockout hurdle, securing their place in the quarter-finals. Yet, they did so without shining or reassuring many of their supporters. Host nation Morocco had to labor to defeat Tanzania (1-0), a much weaker side. The same was true for Egypt, forced into extra time by a valiant Benin (3-1 a.e.t.). However, the upcoming fixtures promise prestigious yet uncertain duels.
Mali and Senegal kick things off on Friday, January 9, at 5 p.m. The Malian Eagles may arrive exhausted: dominated and reduced to ten men for over ninety minutes, they snatched qualification from Tunisia on penalties (1-1 a.e.t., 3-2 pen.). A match that also left its mark on their opponents. The following day, the Tunisian federation announced the end of its collaboration with coach Sami Trabelsi and his entire staff, ushering in a period of uncertainty just months before the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico (June 11 – July 18).
The Lions of Teranga, however, advance with more certainty. Carried by Pape Gueye, Sadio Mané, and Ibrahim Mbaye, Senegal authoritatively defeated a fearless Sudan team 3-1, with Amir Abdallah scoring a consolation goal. It was the first and only goal scored by the Jediane Falcons in the tournament—their group-stage win against Equatorial Guinea came via a Saul Coco own goal.
Struggling Morocco, Weakened by Injuries
Later that same day, at 8 p.m., Morocco faces Cameroon. The Atlas Lions struggled to overcome Tanzania, novices at this stage of the competition, only making the difference in the second half thanks to Brahim Diaz, the current top scorer of the 2025 edition with four goals. “It was a difficult match; we weren’t at our level today,” admitted the coach.
Already weakened by the injury to central defender Romain Saïss at the start of AFCON, Morocco will now have to manage without Azzedine Ounahi. Injured in training on the eve of the match against Tanzania, the midfielder is out for the rest of the tournament with a calf tear.
“Morocco is a high-quality team and they are playing at home. We know what to expect,” warned Cameroonian striker Bryan Mbeumo. Yet the Indomitable Lions approach this quarter-final unburdened. Led by David Pagou, appointed barely twenty days before the tournament began, they came from behind to defeat South Africa (2-1) in the round of 16.
In a twist of fate, the Belgian coach led Cameroon to their last continental triumph in 2017. Eight years later, the tournament’s five-time winners, who failed to qualify for the next World Cup, are trying to reconnect with that glorious past.
Nigeria’s Spectacular Team Play
Also absent from the next World Cup, Nigeria is nonetheless progressing confidently in this AFCON 2025. On January 5, they outclassed Mozambique (4-0) to book their quarter-final spot. With twelve goals in four matches, they are the most prolific team of this edition. A spectacular collective effort, driven by their African Ballon d’Or duo Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen. The former, Atalanta Bergamo’s midfielder, is already a strong contender for the tournament’s best player award, with three goals and four assists.
Nigeria will face Algeria on Saturday, January 10, at 5 p.m. for a place in the semi-finals. The Fennecs secured their qualification in extra time on Tuesday, eliminating the Democratic Republic of Congo. Still unbeaten after four wins in as many matches, Algeria can continue to nurture their continental ambitions.
The defending champions, Ivory Coast, are also present. A solid 3-0 winner over Burkina Faso, the nation crowned at home in January 2024 will face Egypt later that day at 8 p.m., in a fixture with the flavor of a classic African football clash.