AFCON 2025: Four Teams Secure Quarter-Final Spots, Two Fixtures Confirmed.

The first two quarter-final fixtures of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have now been confirmed, following the conclusion of the Round of 16 matches played over the weekend in Morocco.

The last-eight stage will begin on Friday, 9 January, with a major West African clash as Senegal takes on Mali at 5 p.m. local time.

Senegal reached the quarter-finals after coming from behind to defeat Sudan 3–1, displaying resilience and strong attacking play when it mattered.

Mali, on the other hand, were forced into a penalty shoot-out after their match against Tunisia ended 1–1 after extra time, eventually progressing through spot-kicks.

Later that evening, hosts Morocco will face Cameroon in Rabat at 8 p.m. local time. Morocco continued their campaign with a narrow 1–0 victory over Tanzania, while Cameroon secured a tense 2–1 win against South Africa.

Cameroon’s win followed a dramatic evening in Rabat. Junior Tchamadeu opened the scoring for the Indomitable Lions in the 34th minute, before Christian Kofane added a second shortly after half-time, giving Cameroon control of the match.

Evidence Makgopa then pulled one back for South Africa in the 88th minute, setting up a nervous ending, but the five-time champions held on to seal their place in the quarter-finals.

With the result, Cameroon joined Morocco, Mali and Senegal in the last eight of the competition.

The confirmed quarter-final fixtures are: Mali vs Senegal, and Cameroon vs Morocco.

Attention now shifts to the remaining Round of 16 matches scheduled for Monday. Egypt are set to face Benin Republic, while Nigeria will play Mozambique at 8 p.m., as the race to complete the quarter-final line-up continues.

The remaining quarter-final ties will be decided between Monday and Tuesday.