The quarter-final picture of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 is now complete following Algeria’s dramatic Round of 16 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Seven-time champions Algeria sealed their place in the last eight after edging DR Congo 1–0 after extra time in Rabat on Tuesday night. Substitute Anis Boulbina struck deep into extra time, scoring in the 119th minute to book the Desert Foxes a mouthwatering quarter-final showdown with Nigeria.
Reacting to the hard-fought win, a CAF match report quoted the Algerian camp as describing the encounter as “a test of character and patience,” adding that the late goal “rewarded the team’s resilience and belief.”
Nigeria had earlier secured qualification with an emphatic 4–0 victory over Mozambique on Monday night, with Victor Osimhen netting twice to inspire the Super Eagles. Speaking after the match, Osimhen said the team was fully focused on the title race, noting that “every game from here is like a final, and we are ready for the challenge ahead.”
Other teams to have already booked their quarter-final places include Senegal, Mali, hosts Morocco, Cameroon and Egypt.
Meanwhile, defending champions Côte d’Ivoire completed the quarter-final line-up after a commanding 3–0 win over Burkina Faso on Tuesday night in Marrakesh. Goals from Amad Diallo (20’), Yan Diomandé (32’) and Bamba Touré (87’) ensured a comfortable passage for the Elephants.
An Ivorian team official was quoted as saying the performance showed “the hunger and discipline of a side determined to defend its crown.”
Côte d’Ivoire will now face Egypt in one of the standout quarter-final fixtures on Saturday in Agadir, as both African heavyweights battle for a place in the semi-finals.
Teams qualified for AFCON 2025 quarter-finals:
Senegal
Mali
Morocco
Cameroon
Egypt
Nigeria
Algeria
Côte d’Ivoire
Confirmed AFCON 2025 quarter-final fixtures:
Mali vs Senegal – Friday, January 9
Venue: Grand Stade de Tanger, Tangier (5pm WAT)
Cameroon vs Morocco – Friday, January 9
Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat (9pm WAT)
Egypt vs Côte d’Ivoire – Saturday, January 10
Venue: Stade Adrar, Agadir (8pm WAT)
Nigeria vs Algeria – Saturday, January 10
Venue: Stade de Marrakech, Ouahat Sidi Brahim (5pm WAT)
The quarter-final matches of the AFCON 2025 tournament will be played on Friday, January 9, and Saturday, January 10, as the race for continental glory intensifies.
