A Senegal - Mali shock, a Cameroon - Morocco duel or even Algeria - Nigeria and Egypt - Ivory Coast... all the big names are there for the quarter-finals of CAN 2025. Which has some great posters in store for us. Here is everything you need to know about the last eight teams still competing in Morocco.

Published on: 01/06/2026 - 10:11 p.m. Modified on: 01/06/2026 - 11:10 p.m.

On January 18, CAN 2025 will have its winner. As the round of 16 ends, the eight qualifiers will face each other from Friday. Senegal will open the quarter-finals against Mali at 5 p.m., followed by an enticing Cameroon Morocco at 8 p.m. The other two meetings will follow on Saturday January 10:

Also read: The complete table and posters for the CAN 2025 quarter-finals

Senegal - Mali, the Western derby

When and where: Friday January 9 at 5 p.m. at the Grand Stade de Tanger

Senegal, one of the big favorites of this CAN with Morocco and Nigeria, easily disposed of Sudan (3-1) in the round of 16 despite Abdallah's magnificent goal at the very start of the match. Pape Thiaw's men quickly came back and led 2-1 at the end of the first half, before extending the lead (3-1) through Ibrahim Mbaye. As against DR Congo (1-1) in the group stage, the Lions of Teranga showed that they had mental resources.

Also read “At 17, at this level, it’s impressive”: Ibrahim Mbaye praised by Senegal executives

Opposite, Mali had a much more complicated eighth against Tunisia, reduced to 10 after half an hour of play. But the Eagles of Mali ended up winning over the Eagles of Carthage during the penalty shootout (1-1, 3 tab to 2). So far, Mali, with four draws, has still not won a CAN match in the game, and will have to raise the level to hope to advance against Senegal.

Cameroon - Morocco, the duel of the Lions

When and where: Friday January 9 at 8 p.m. at the Stade Moulay Abdallah in Rabat

Cameroon was scared against South Africa (2-1) but overcame the obstacle to qualify for the quarter-finals, where it will face Morocco, host country and one of the favorites of the competition. Undefeated since the start of the competition (3 wins and 1 draw), the Indomitable Lions are counting on their solidarity to force destiny: "We put together a group in just three weeks. We don't yet have all the automatisms, but with the desire and being the way we are we can do great things", promised Cameroonian goalkeeper Devis Epassy at the end of the last match.

Also read “The appetite comes with eating”: the Indomitable Lions not satisfied after their round of 16

Against them, the Atlas Lions have no room for error. Led by a transformed Brahim Diaz (top scorer in the competition with 4 goals), and with the return of their captain Achraf Hakimi, Walid Regragui's men can also count on a wild public since the start of the CAN. They will need popular support to foil the Cameroonian trap on Friday evening in Rabat.

Algeria - Nigeria, a clash of titans

When and where: Saturday January 10 at 5 p.m. at the Grand Stade de Marrakech

No time to breathe for Algeria. After inheriting a big piece in the round of 16 with DR Congo, the Fennecs barely have time to digest that they will have to face the Super Eagles of Nigeria and their offensive armada. But Vladimir Petkovic's men can be reassured: with only one goal conceded - and again, by the substitute team in the 3rd group match - they are one of the best defenses in the tournament thanks to Luca Zidane, Ramy Benseibaini and Aïssa Mandi who are very prominent.

On the Nigerian side, the round of 16 was more relaxing. The Super Eagles crushed modest Mozambique (4-0) and are leading the best attacks in the tournament with already 12 goals scored. The key to the match will lie in the form and especially the understanding between the attackers Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and others. Because the images of two African Ballon d'Or winners, Osimhen and Lookman, getting confused against the Mambas have gone around the world...

Also read “CAF gives too much advantage to big countries”: Gernot Rohr’s tackle on CAN 2025

Egypt - Ivory Coast, champions match

When and where: Saturday January 10 at 8 p.m. at the Grand Stade d’Agadir

Egypt, the most successful nation in the competition, qualified by a mouse-hole for the quarter-finals of the African Cup of Nations. She suffered 120 minutes against Benin (3-1 ap) and lost her defender Mohamed Hamdy to injury. Despite its fiery trio Salah – Trezeguet – Marmoush, the Pharaohs are moving forward laboriously. But, we know the Egyptians, it doesn't matter the way, only the result counts.

Also read “Better than Drogba and the Touré”: Ivorian Amad Diallo wins the CAN and Manchester United

Côte d'Ivoire stood on its own against its Burkinabe neighbors, asserting its rank. Amad Diallo is in sparkling form more than ever in this CAN with three goals already scored. Emerse Faé's men are well on their way to achieving the first back-to-back since… Egypt in 2010.

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