afcon

AFCON Quarter Finals: AFCON 2025

World Football January 5, 2026 77

The AFCON quarter finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 are taking shape, and football fans across the continent are bracing for thrilling knockout action. Hosted in Morocco, AFCON 2025 has already delivered drama, passion, and high-quality football, and the tournament is now entering its most decisive phase.

After an unpredictable group stage and intense Round of 16 encounters, four nations have officially booked their places in the quarter finals so far: Senegal, Mali, Morocco, and Cameroon. Each of these teams reached the last eight through very different paths, highlighting the competitive nature that defines African football.

AFCON Quarter Finals: How the Teams Qualified

Senegal were the first team to qualify for the AFCON quarter finals. The former champions continued their impressive unbeaten run by defeating Sudan. Their consistency, tactical discipline, and tournament experience once again make them one of the favourites for the title.

Mali followed soon after, showing remarkable resilience. Despite playing much of their Round of 16 match with ten men, Mali eliminated Tunisia after a tense penalty shootout. Their qualification under pressure has earned them widespread respect and belief heading into the quarter finals.

Tournament hosts Morocco secured their quarter finals spot with a controlled 1–0 win over Tanzania in Rabat. Backed by a passionate home crowd, the Atlas Lions displayed patience and maturity, with Brahim Díaz scoring the decisive goal. For Morocco, this victory keeps alive the dream of winning their first AFCON title in 50 years.

Cameroon, five-time African champions, completed the current list of quarter-finalists after a dramatic 2–1 victory against South Africa. Known for their pedigree in knockout football, the Indomitable Lions once again proved they thrive when the stakes are highest.

Confirmed AFCON Quarter Finals Fixtures

Two quarter finals fixtures have already been confirmed:

Mali vs Senegal – Friday, 9 January
Cameroon vs Morocco – Friday, 9 January

The remaining AFCON quarter finals matches will be confirmed once all Round of 16 games are completed. Heavyweights like Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire are still battling for a place in the last eight.

Why the AFCON Quarter Finals Matter

The quarter finals represent a turning point in the tournament. From this stage onward, every match feels like a final. Tactical discipline, squad depth, and mental strength often decide who advances rather than flair alone.

For fans, the AFCON quarter finals promise classic rivalries, high-intensity football, and unforgettable moments. For the teams, it is one step away from the semi-finals and a chance to move closer to continental glory.

Looking Ahead

The AFCON quarter finals will be played on 9 and 10 January 2026, with the semi-finals scheduled for 13 January and the final set for 18 January in Rabat. As the competition builds toward its climax, the excitement surrounding AFCON 2025 continues to grow.

With top teams, passionate supporters, and history on the line, the quarter finals are set to deliver football at its very best.