22-Time Champions: AFCON 2025 Quarter-Finals Bring Together Africa’s Elite
The last eight teams at the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 boast a combined 22 titles and 732 matches played in the tournament’s history, underlining the pedigree and experience that will light up the quarter-finals.
With such a decorated line-up, the stage is set for one of the most competitive knockout rounds in AFCON history.
Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire and record seven-time winners Egypt headline the quarter-final bracket, joined by fellow former champions Senegal, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Algeria.
Adding further intrigue are ambitious West African rivals Mali and hosts Morocco, who are determined to make home advantage count.
Egypt, the most successful nation in AFCON history, battled past Benin in extra time to secure their place, while Côte d’Ivoire kept their title defence alive with a commanding 3-0 win over Burkina Faso.
Morocco, buoyed by passionate home support and their reputation as Africa’s first World Cup semi-finalists, edged Tanzania to progress.
Senegal, champions in 2021, showcased their consistency with victory over Sudan, while Mali stunned Tunisia on penalties despite playing much of the match with ten men.
Nigeria reaffirmed their attacking strength with a dominant win over Mozambique, Victor Osimhen scoring twice to inspire the Super Eagles.
Algeria, meanwhile, needed extra time to overcome DR Congo, substitute Adil Boulbina striking late to secure their passage.
The quarter-final ties promise blockbuster drama.
Egypt and Côte d’Ivoire will meet in a clash between the continent’s most successful nation and the reigning champions.
Hosts Morocco face five-time winners Cameroon in a Friday night showdown, while Senegal and Mali contest an all–West African battle earlier that day.
Saturday’s action begins with Nigeria against Algeria, another heavyweight duel steeped in history.
With the quarter-finals spread across two days, the winners will advance to the semi-finals as the race for continental supremacy intensifies.
Eight giants of African football, 22 titles between them, and a combined legacy of 732 AFCON matches, the stage is set for a truly historic knockout round in Morocco.
