The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco has entered its defining stretch, with the quarter-final picture now almost complete and heavyweight clashes set to dominate the continent’s football conversation.
The final confirmation came on Tuesday night in Rabat where Algeria displayed resilience and discipline to overcome DR Congo 1–0 after extra time.
In a match finely balanced and drifting toward penalties, substitute Adil Boulbina emerged as the unlikely hero, striking in the 119th minute to send the Desert Foxes into the last eight amid scenes of late drama and relief.
That dramatic victory has paved the way for a mouth-watering showdown with Nigeria.
The Super Eagles had already underlined their championship credentials a day earlier with a commanding 4–0 demolition of Mozambique.
Victor Osimhen was at the heart of the performance, netting twice as Nigeria flexed their attacking muscle and reaffirmed belief in a possible fourth AFCON crown.
With Algeria’s progress, seven teams have now secured quarter-final spots. Senegal, Mali, tournament hosts Morocco, Cameroon, Egypt and Nigeria had already punched their tickets, leaving only one remaining Round of 16 fixture involving Côte d’Ivoire to finalize the last-eight line-up.
The quarter-finals reflect Africa’s established football hierarchy. Egypt, the competition’s most decorated nation with seven titles, once again find themselves deep in familiar territory. Cameroon’s five triumphs and Nigeria’s three underline their enduring pedigree, while Senegal and Morocco continue to stamp their authority as leading forces of the modern era.
Algeria and Côte d’Ivoire add further weight with their own history of continental success, while Mali stand out as the only side still pursuing a maiden AFCON title, carrying the hopes of a new name being etched onto the trophy.
Attention now turns to an enticing set of quarter-final encounters spread across Morocco:
Mali vs Senegal
Friday, January 9 – Grand Stade de Tanger, Tangier
Cameroon vs Morocco
Friday, January 9 – Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
Egypt vs Côte d’Ivoire
Saturday, January 10 – Stade Adrar, Agadir
Nigeria vs Algeria
Saturday, January 10 – Stade de Marrakech, Ouahat Sidi Brahim
