Seven Former Champions Storm AFCON 2025 Quarter-Finals

By Kunle Solaja, Fes enroute Casablanca

Seven former champions and Mali have secured places in the quarter-finals as the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 enters its decisive phase, setting the stage for a sequence of heavyweight encounters across the country.

The last-eight line-up was confirmed on Tuesday night following the conclusion of a compelling Round of 16 that lived up to the tournament’s reputation for drama and intensity.

Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire and record seven-time winners Egypt headline an imposing cast that also includes former champions Senegal, Cameroon, Nigeria and Algeria, alongside ambitious West African challengers Mali and tournament hosts Morocco.

Egypt, the most successful nation in AFCON history, booked their passage with a hard-fought extra-time victory over Benin, underlining their enduring pedigree at the continental showpiece. Holders Côte d’Ivoire kept alive hopes of a successful title defence with a commanding 3–0 win over Burkina Faso.

Backed by passionate home support, Morocco edged past Tanzania to advance, continuing their strong run following their historic achievement as the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of a FIFA World Cup. Senegal, champions in 2021, maintained their impressive consistency by overcoming Sudan, while Mali again showcased their resilience by defeating Tunisia on penalties despite playing long spells with ten men.

Nigeria underlined their attacking authority with a dominant victory over Mozambique, inspired by a brace from Victor Osimhen, while Algeria needed extra time to see off DR Congo, substitute Adil Boulbina striking late to seal qualification.

The quarter-final line-up promises a series of mouthwatering contests. A standout tie pits Egypt against defending champions Côte d’Ivoire on Saturday, renewing a classic rivalry between two of Africa’s most decorated sides.

Hosts Morocco face a stern examination against five-time champions Cameroon on Friday, in what is expected to be one of the tournament’s most intense fixtures.

An all–West African showdown opens the quarter-finals as Senegal meet Mali on Friday afternoon, while Nigeria and Algeria clash in a battle of continental heavyweights in Saturday’s early kick-off.

With the competition now firmly in its home stretch, the quarter-finals will be played over two days, with the winners advancing to the semi-finals as the race for continental supremacy gathers pace in Morocco.