Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire and record seven-time winners Egypt headline an imposing quarterfinal line-up at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, as the tournament enters a decisive phase that brings together Africa’s most established football nations and ambitious challengers.
Joining them in the last eight are former champions Senegal, Cameroon, Nigeria and Algeria, alongside Mali and tournament hosts Morocco. The mix reflects both the depth of experience and the growing competitiveness that continues to define African football on the continental stage.
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Algeria secured their quarterfinal place with a narrow 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo after extra time on Tuesday, setting up a highly anticipated clash against Nigeria. The result marks the Desert Foxes’ first return to the tournament’s final eight since their title-winning campaign in 2019, underlining a renewed sense of momentum within the squad.
Côte d’Ivoire’s bid for back-to-back titles gathered further pace in Marrakesh on Tuesday night, as the Elephants delivered a commanding 3-0 win over Burkina Faso. The performance reinforced their status as one of the tournament’s most balanced sides, combining attacking efficiency with defensive control.
With Egypt’s historic pedigree, Morocco’s home advantage, and a group of teams eager to reclaim or redefine their place at the summit of African football, the quarterfinal stage promises tightly contested matches and moments likely to shape the narrative of Afcon 2025.
