Eight teams have advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after a competitive round of 16. Senegal, Mali, Morocco, Cameroon, Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria and Cote d’Ivoire remain in contention for the title.
The tournament, hosted by Morocco since 21 December 2025, features 24 teams across six groups. The top two from each group plus the four best third-placed teams progressed to the knockout stage.
Group stage overview
Hosts Morocco dominated Group A with strong defence and attacking play. Mali finished second.
Egypt led Group B as record seven-time champions, with Mohamed Salah in top form. South Africa advanced as runners-up.
Nigeria topped Group C, driven by Victor Osimhen’s finishing. Algeria progressed comfortably.
Senegal headed Group D unbeaten, while DR Congo qualified strongly.
Algeria won Group E, with Burkina Faso as runners-up. Cote d’Ivoire, the defending champions, claimed Group F, joined by Cameroon.
Round of 16 results
Senegal defeated Sudan 3-1, with Sadio Mané starring.
Mali advanced past Tunisia on penalties (3-2 after 1-1).
Morocco edged Tanzania 1-0 in Rabat, backed by home fans.
Cameroon beat South Africa 2-1 in a comeback win.
Egypt overcame Benin 3-1, Salah proving decisive.
Nigeria crushed Mozambique 4-0, Osimhen scoring twice.
Algeria defeated DR Congo 1-0 after extra time.
Cote d’Ivoire secured a 3-0 victory over Burkina Faso, confirming their status as defending champions.
Quarter-final match-ups
Friday 9 January 2026
Mali vs Senegal (Tangier)
Cameroon vs Morocco (Rabat)
Saturday 10 January 2026
Algeria vs Nigeria (Marrakesh)
Egypt vs Cote d’Ivoire (Agadir)
Key contenders
- Senegal (two titles): Unbeaten run continues, strong in big games.
- Mali (no titles): Disciplined and dangerous on the counter.
- Morocco (one title): Hosts with World Cup experience and home support.
- Cameroon (five titles): Experts at knockout football.
- Egypt (seven titles): Record winners chasing number eight.
- Cote d’Ivoire (three titles): Defending champions with depth.
- Nigeria (three titles): Explosive attack led by Osimhen.
- Algeria (two titles): Resurgent with quality midfield.
These eight nations hold most of the tournament’s historical titles, making the quarter-finals highly competitive.
The semi-finals follow on 14 January, with the final set for 18 January in Rabat.
