The first two quarter-final fixtures of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have been confirmed following the conclusion of the Round of 16 matches played over the weekend in Morocco.
Friday, January 9 will open the last-eight stage with a heavyweight West African encounter as Senegal face Mali at 5 pm local time.
Senegal booked their place after recovering from an early setback to defeat Sudan 3-1, showing composure and attacking depth when it mattered most.
Mali, meanwhile, needed penalties to edge past Tunisia after a 1-1 draw that stretched into extra time.
Later that evening, hosts Morocco will take on Cameroon in Rabat at 8 pm local time. Morocco continued their steady progress with a narrow 1-0 win over Tanzania, while Cameroon survived a tense finish to beat South Africa 2-1.
Cameroon’s victory came after a dramatic evening in Rabat, where Junior Tchamadeu put the Indomitable Lions ahead in the 34th minute. Christian Kofane doubled the advantage shortly after the interval, leaving Cameroon in control.
However, Evidence Makgopa’s calm finish in the 88th minute set up a nervy finale, though the five-time champions held on to secure their place in the quarter-finals.
With that result, Cameroon joined Morocco, Mali and Senegal in the last eight of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The confirmed quarter-final fixtures include: Mali Vs Senegal, Cameroon Vs Morocco.
Attention now turns to the remaining Round of 16 fixtures scheduled for Monday. Egypt are set to face Benin Republic, while Nigeria will battle Mozambique at 8 p.m. as the race to complete the quarter-final line-up continues.
The remaining last-eight fixtures will be played on Monday and Tuesday.
