AFCON 2025: Complete List of Quarter-Finalists and Match Schedule
- The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has reached its decisive phase, with the quarter-final line-up confirmed after an action-packed Round of 16
- Africa’s best are now down to the final eight, setting the stage for blockbuster clashes as the race for continental glory intensifies
- The quarter-final stage will be played across two days, with every tie offering a direct path into the semi-finals
Don't miss out! Get your daily dose of sports news straight to your phone. Join YEN's Sports News channel on WhatsApp now!
The 2025 AFCON has entered its sharp end after the Round of 16 wrapped up on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
With the dust now settling, the last eight teams still standing have been confirmed following a series of tense knockout contests filled with late goals, brave defending, and moments of individual brilliance.
Source: Getty Images
From dominant wins to dramatic extra-time battles, the journey into the quarter-finals has tested both pedigree and patience.
Established powers remain firmly in contention, yet a few determined sides have also muscled their way into the conversation, keeping the title race wide open.
How AFCON 2025 R16 unfolded
Senegal set the tone early by becoming the first team through. The 2021 champions continued their impressive run by seeing off Kwesi Appiah's Sudan with authority, extending their unbeaten sequence at the tournament.
Mali soon followed after a night of pure resilience. Reduced to 10 men for long spells, they still held Tunisia before sending them through a penalty shootout to reach the last eight, according to the BBC.
Hosts Morocco were next to punch their ticket in Rabat. Despite controversy surrounding the contest, they maintained control and edged Tanzania thanks to a decisive finish from tournament top scorer Brahim Diaz.
Cameroon joined the party later in the day after a pulsating clash with South Africa. Nineteen-year-old Christian Kofane grabbed the headlines, sealing a dramatic win with a late goal and a memorable Cristiano Ronaldo-style celebration.
Below is the video:
Egypt then reminded everyone of their pedigree. The record champions outlasted Benin in extra time, with Mohamed Salah striking with the final kick of the match to secure a 3-1 victory, according to The Athletic.
Nigeria delivered the most emphatic performance of the round. The Super Eagles swept aside Mozambique 4-0, brushing off an on-field disagreement between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman to underline their title credentials.
Watch the heated moment between Osimhen and Lookman:
Algeria claimed their place after a tight duel with DR Congo. Substitute Adil Boulbina settled the contest in extra time with a stunning long-range effort.
Defending champions Cote d’Ivoire completed the lineup by overpowering Burkina Faso 3-0 to seal the final quarter-final berth.
Source: Getty Images
Confirmed quarter-final fixtures and dates
The quarter-finals will be played on January 9 and 10, 2026, as the tournament builds toward the final on January 18
- Mali vs Senegal (Friday, January 9)
- Cameroon vs Morocco (Friday, January 9)
- Egypt vs Cote d’Ivoire (Saturday, January 10)
- Nigeria vs Algeria (Saturday, January 10)
DR Congo superfan cries after AFCON exit
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that DR Congo superfan Kuka Muladinga was left in tears after his team’s late defeat to Algeria at the 2025 AFCON.
Adil Boulbina’s last-minute goal broke the hearts of DR Congo supporters, especially the emotional superfan inside the stadium.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
