AFCON 2025: Who has the advantage in the quarterfinals?

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Africa Cup of Nations

Round of 16

Quarter-finals

Friday

Mali       v Senegal     7pm

Cameroon v Morocco 10pm

Saturday

Algeria    v Nigeria     7pm

Egypt v Ivory Coast    10pm

Two extra time blockbusters, one last-gasp winner, one upset, a penalty shoot-out and three thumping wins – the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 had a bit of everything.

While hosts Morocco and defending champions Ivory Coast launched the tournament as frontrunners, Nigeria, Senegal, and Cameroon jostled into conversation with near-faultless performances in all their fixtures thus far.

But so has Algeria and, even Mali.

Besides Nigeria, Algeria are the other team that has won all its matches, while Mali have lived up to their reputation as stubborn outsiders.

How? The Eagles did not just fight back from a goal down to eliminate former champions Tunisia; they became the first team to qualify for the quarter-finals of Africa’s premier competition without winning a single match in regulation time.

All said, this weekend’s quarterfinal line-up pits six former champions against each other and an opportunity for outsiders Mali to claim the scalp of yet another former champion in Senegal.

But who holds the advantage in each duel?

Mali v Senegal

Venue: Ibn Batouta Stadium, Tangier

Of all the quarterfinalists, it’s only Mali, who have never won the AFCON title. But that can change. The Eagles are just three games away from winning their first title. While their journey to the quarters has been unconventional, Mali have demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline, attributes that are decisive at this stage of the tournament.

The Lions of Teranga are tactically versatile. Inspired by a robust back-four, a balanced attack that is spearheaded by seasoned forwards such as Sadio Mane and a number of rising stars that provide energy and dynamism in crucial positions, Senegal might just nick this one.

Advantage: Senegal

Cameroon v Morocco

Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat

This high-stakes quarter-final promises intensity and interesting personal duels.

One of many includes Bryan Mbeumo confronting fellow Manchester United teammate Noussair Mazraoui.

This is the fourth meeting between the two sides at the AFCON finals, with Cameroon undefeated against Morocco. The Indomitable Lions have won two and drawn the other. The five-time champions will go into their quarter-final showdown with Morocco encouraged by Comoros and Tanzania’s displays against the hosts.

But while Cameroon’s physical qualities can’t be discounted, the permutations point to a Moroccan win. The North Africans have the tournament’s lead scorer in Brahim Diaz and the joint-best defensive record (conceded once). They have also controlled matches with superior passing and possession.

Advantage: Morocco

Algeria    v Nigeria

Venue: Marrakesh Stadium, Marrakesh

This looks like a final before a final. It is the biggest quarterfinal. This should be a classic, one that will be decided by moments of brilliance.

Algeria and Nigeria are the only teams that progressed out of the group stage with a 100% record.

If the Super Eagles can emulate their thumping display against North African giants Tunisia, Algeria might find themselves in serious trouble.

Nigeria emerged as the most potent attacking side of the group stage. The Super Eagles finished with eight goals, the highest tally in the competition, from 21 shots and 10 on target, while also recording the highest average possession rate at 66%. These numbers illustrate a side that dominates games and is ruthless.

Advantage: Nigeria

Egypt v Ivory Coast

Venue: Adrar Stadium, Agadir

Since Egypt successfully defended the title in 2010, the seven-time champions had failed to reach the last eight.

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan has consistently reiterated his ambition for an ‘eighth star’ throughout the tournament, and his side will be motivated to maintain their pursuit of history.

Omar Marmoush, Mohamed Salah and Mohamed Trezeguet have formed an attacking axis that has been potent for the Pharaohs.

But the Elephants boast a wealth of attacking talent in Amad Diallo, Yan Diomande and Bazoumana Toure that can influence this fixture.

Advantage: Ivory Coast