The knockout appearance of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 is acquisition pace, with the Round of 16 now beneath way and the aboriginal quarter-final places already decided.
As Africa’s better football affray moves into its best absolute stage, aboriginal after-effects accept accent both the affection of the favourites and the accomplished margins that abide to ascertain AFCON football.
The Round of 16 marks the alpha of beeline knockout competition, area one aftereffect can adapt a nation’s tournament.
After an capricious accumulation date that opened the aperture for several contenders, the last-16 ties are now free who charcoal on beforehand for continental celebrity and who sees their adventure appear to an brusque end.
So far, four teams accept anchored their places in the quarter-finals, anniversary accomplishing so in allegory appearance but with the aforementioned cold achieved: blockage animate in the appellation race.
Senegal were the aboriginal nation to book a quarter-final atom on Saturday. The above African champions continued their absorbing best run at the affray by advantageous Sudan, acknowledging their cachet as one of the best constant abandon on the continent.
Later in the day, Mali anchored their abode in the quarter-finals back they defeated Tunisia on penalties admitting arena ample genitalia of the bold with ten men
Tournament hosts Morocco followed on Sunday, binding accomplished Tanzania with a attenuated but controlled 1–0 achievement in Rabat. In advanced of a amorous home crowd, the Atlas Lions showed backbone and maturity, with Brahim Díaz accouterment the absolute moment.
The win not alone kept Morocco’s appellation hopes animate but additionally able their growing acceptance that this could assuredly be their year, 50 years afterwards their aftermost AFCON triumph.
Cameroon afresh abutting the account of quarter-finalists afterwards in the day afterwards a affecting 2–1 win over South Africa. The Indomitable Lions, five-time African champions, already afresh showcased their full-blooded in knockout football, award a way through in a angrily contested encounter.
Their accolade is a adorable quarter-final affray adjoin hosts Morocco, a accoutrement that promises intensity, history and continental ample status.
Elsewhere, several Round of 16 matches are still to be played on Monday Egypt defeated Benin 3-1 afterwards extra-time with Mohammed Salah scoring with the aftermost bang of the game. Nigeria additionally anchored their abode in the quater finals on Monday night afterwards hammering Mozambique 4-0 with Victor Osimhen scoring a brace to advice the Super Eagles to advance.
Matches will be played on Tuesday, with above names cat-and-mouse to affirm their passage.
Algeria accommodated DR Congo, and arresting champions Côte d’Ivoire are up adjoin Burkina Faso.
The outcomes of these ties will complete the quarter-final agency and added appearance the avenue to the final.
The quarter-finals of AFCON 2025 will be played on Friday 9 January and Saturday 10 January, with the antagonism architecture appear the final on 18 January at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.
Teams able for the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals (so far):
Senegal
Mali
Morocco
Cameroon
Egypt v (Winner of Cote d’Ivoire v Burkina Faso) Nigeria v (Winner of Algeria v DR Congo) Accepted quarter-final accessories
Mali vs Senegal – Friday, 9 January
Cameroon vs Morocco – Friday, 9 January
Egypt v (Winner of Cote d’Ivoire v Burkina Faso) – Saturday, 10 January Nigeria v (Winner of Algeria v DR Congo) – Saturday, 10 January
(The actual quarter-final accessories will be accepted already the outstanding Round of 16 matches are completed.)