Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
THE quarter-final line-up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has been confirmed following Côte d’Ivoire’s emphatic 3-0 victory over Burkina Faso in the final Round of 16 encounter on Tuesday night.
The tournament in Morocco has now entered its decisive phase, with the competition reduced to eight teams after a knockout round marked by late drama, extra-time contests and penalty shoot-outs.
Côte d’Ivoire secured the last quarter-final berth with a dominant display against Burkina Faso, completing a strong field that includes reigning champions Senegal, hosts Morocco and record winners Egypt.
Senegal advanced after a 3-1 win over Sudan, while Mali edged Tunisia on penalties after the sides were locked at 1-1 at the end of extra time.
Hosts Morocco continued their bid for continental glory with a narrow 1-0 victory over Tanzania, as Cameroon overturned South Africa 2-1 in one of the standout results of the round.
Elsewhere, Egypt needed extra time to defeat Benin 2-1, Nigeria cruised past Mozambique with a commanding 4-0 win, and Algeria required extra time to eliminate the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0.
The confirmed quarter-final fixtures will see Mali face Senegal in Tangier, followed by a high-profile clash between Cameroon and hosts Morocco in Rabat on Friday.
Saturday’s matches feature Algeria against Nigeria in Marrakech, while seven-time champions Egypt take on Côte d’Ivoire in a blockbuster encounter in Agadir.
With just three matches separating the remaining teams from continental glory, the quarter-finals are expected to test tactical discipline, squad depth and tournament experience as Africa’s elite battle for a place in the semi-finals.
