AFCON 2025 Quarter-Finals Preview: Four Heavyweight Clashes, History, Stats & Storylines

The AFCON 2025 quarter-finals bring four heavyweight clashes between the continent’s biggest nations.

Mali vs Senegal (Friday, Tangier)

‎Senegal are unbeaten in 15 AFCON matches (excl. shootouts) and hold a 19-8 all-time advantage over Mali. Mali have drawn all four group matches but have been rock-solid defensively under Tom Saintfiet.

‎Prediction: Senegal 1–0 Mali

Cameroon vs Morocco (Friday, Rabat)

‎Morocco are the hosts but have relied almost entirely on Brahim Díaz and El Kaabi for goals. Cameroon average the lowest possession (43.2%) among quarter-finalists but are ruthless in transition.

‎Prediction: Morocco 1–1 Cameroon (Morocco on pens)

Algeria vs Nigeria (Saturday, Marrakech)

‎Nigeria have scored 12 goals in four games; Lookman has 7 goal contributions. Algeria have won all four matches conceding just once. Nigeria have won 10 of 11 AFCON quarter-finals played.

‎Prediction: Algeria 1–2 Nigeria

Egypt vs Ivory Coast (Saturday, Agadir)

‎Record 7-time champions Egypt against defending champions Ivory Coast. Egypt lead the all-time head-to-head 10-5. Ivory Coast impressed with a clinical win over Burkina Faso in the Round of 16.

‎Prediction: Egypt 1–1 Ivory Coast (Egypt on pens)