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After a round of 16 marked by tight, tense and sometimes predictable matches, the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals promise some mouth-watering fixtures.
On Friday, Mali get things underway against Senegal, before a heavyweight clash between Cameroon and Morocco, the host nation and tournament favourites. Saturday promises to be just as intense, with a dream tie between Algeria and Nigeria, followed by a prestigious encounter between Egypt and the defending champions, Ivory Coast.
Mali v Senegal: Friday, January 9th, 16:00 GMT
The first quarter-final will be played this Friday in Tangier between Mali and Senegal. It’s a clash between a Malian underdog capable of upsetting Africa’s giants and a Senegalese side firmly established among the tournament favourites.
Mali reached the quarters after an unusual run, drawing all three group matches against Zambia (1-1), Morocco (1-1) and Comoros (0-0), before scraping through against Tunisia on penalties. Down to ten men, the Eagles conceded in the 88th minute but equalised from the spot thanks to Lassine Sinayoko, a symbol of this team’s fighting spirit.
Senegal, on the other hand, have looked assured. The Lions of Teranga swept aside Botswana (3-0) and Benin (3-0), drew with DR Congo (1-1), and then saw off Sudan in the last 16 (3-1). With an experienced squad led by Sadio Mané, Idrissa Gueye and Édouard Mendy, and greater attacking depth, Senegal look well-equipped to control the game against a solid but limited Mali side, who may also be feeling the effects of their gruelling last-16 tie.
Tip: Senegal to qualify - 1/4 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: The bet wins if Senegal reach the semi-finals, regardless of whether it is in normal time, after extra time, or on penalties.
Cameroon v Morocco: Friday, January 9th, 19:00 GMT
As hosts and favourites for AFCON 2025, Morocco have duly reached the quarter-finals. While not always dazzling, the Atlas Lions have been solid, inspired by an in-form Brahim Díaz, who has scored four goals so far. Morocco have conceded just once (a penalty against Mali) and aside from that, Walid Regragui’s men have beaten Comoros (2-0), Zambia (3-0), and then Tanzania in the last 16 (1-0).
Up against them are Cameroon, five-time AFCON winners and although far from their glory days and hampered by internal tensions between the federation and the sports ministry, the Indomitable Lions’ campaign has still been a success. David Pagou’s side navigated a tough group stage, beating Gabon (1-0), drawing with Ivory Coast (1-1), and defeating Mozambique (2-1), before edging past South Africa in the last 16 (2-1), not without a few scares.
With Morocco under pressure and Cameroon with nothing to lose, this quarter-final looks set to be a close contest. The Indomitable Lions have strong attacking options in Bryan Mbeumo, Danny Namaso and Christian Kofane, while Morocco boast a well-balanced side capable of making the difference at any moment.
Tip: Both Teams to Score - 5/4 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: The bet wins if both Morocco and Cameroon score at least one goal each in normal time.
Algeria v Nigeria: Saturday, January 10th, 16:00 GMT
This is the standout tie of the quarter-finals, with Algeria and Nigeria both unbeaten in AFCON 2025, each winning all four of their matches so far. The attacking stats point to an entertaining contest: Algeria have scored eight goals, while the Super Eagles have netted twelve, making them the tournament’s most prolific side to date.
Momentum, however, seems to be with Nigeria. Éric Chelle’s men have never really been troubled and come into this after a commanding 4-0 win over Mozambique in the last 16. With a formidable attacking duo in Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, the Nigerians look powerful and in control.
Algeria, meanwhile, had to dig deep to reach the quarters, snatching a late extra-time win over DR Congo (1-0). The Fennecs rely on their ability to keep up the intensity, embodied by the work rate of Nice’s Hicham Boudaoui. Their attacking options remain strong, with Riyad Mahrez, Ibrahim Maza and Mohamed Amoura all capable of turning a game at any moment.
With two attack-minded teams boasting top-class forwards, this promises to be an open and lively encounter.
Tip: Over 2.5 Goals - 7/5 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: The bet wins if at least three goals are scored in total during normal time.
Egypt v Ivory Coast: Saturday, January 10th, 19:00 GMT
The final quarter-final of AFCON 2025 sees Egypt take on the defending champions, Ivory Coast. The Pharaohs have made it this far without ever truly convincing, scraping two hard-fought wins over Zimbabwe (2-1) and South Africa (1-0), and drawing with Angola (0-0) in the group stages, before needing extra time to see off Benin in the last 16 (3-1). Egypt have done just enough so far, and this quarter-final will be their first real test of the tournament.
Ivory Coast, by contrast, seem to be hitting their stride. The Elephants started with a narrow win over Mozambique (1-0), drew with Cameroon (1-1), then pulled off a dramatic comeback to beat Gabon (3-2) after trailing 2-0, before Emerse Faé’s men impressed with a 3-0 demolition of Burkina Faso in the last 16. It’s been a tougher run on paper than on the pitch, but the Ivorians have continued the positive momentum from their AFCON 2023 triumph and qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
While Egypt rely on their attacking duo of Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, Ivory Coast appear to have a more complete squad, with a solid centre-back pairing led by Evan Ndicka, a strong midfield marshalled by Ibrahim Sangaré and Franck Kessié, and dangerous wingers in Amad Diallo and Yan Diomandé. Having faced tougher opposition since the start of the tournament, the Ivorians look better equipped to secure a semi-final spot.
Tip: Ivory Coast to Qualify - 4/6 @ bet365
Bet Explanation: The bet wins if Ivory Coast reach the semi-finals, whether in normal time, after extra time or on penalties.
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Odds correct at the time of publication, but subject to change.