AFCON 2025
The stage is set for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals with the boys separated from the men.
It’s interesting to note that there has been no upset in this competition so far and unlikely to be given the profile of the eight remaining teams.
The quarter-finals pairings are not nothing but mouthwatering as the heavyweights go head-to-head for a place in the semi-finals.
One might argue that the fixture between Senegal and Mali is not exactly a heavyweight clash on paper but on the grass for 90 minutes or more, it is, given how the Eagles have fared without winning a match in regulation time in the tournament.
The other three fixtures should leave fans at the edge of their seats no doubt as it tick the boxes for what blockbuster clashes should be.
1. Cote D’Ivoire v Egypt
The Elephants are up against the most successful side in the history of the tournament with seven titles. Surely, the Pharaohs of Egypt are a worthy opponent as they set their target on a record eighth title.
Defending champions Ivory Coast go into the tie strong after a 3-0 dismantling of Burkina Faso, showcasing utter dominance over their neighbors.
However, they face-off against Egypt, who have an unbeaten record against them in the competition since 1990, including wins in finals and semi-finals.
Egypt integrate stars like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush effectively but play a more stodgy style.
Meanwhile, Cote D’ivoire also have flamboyant and enterprising players like Amad Diallo, Yao Diomande, Bouzoumana Toure with a mix of experience players like Franck Kessie, Ibrahim Sangare among others.
Individual brilliance might decide this tie when push comes to shove.
2. Algeria v Nigeria
Algeria vs. NigeriaA blockbuster with historical weight—finals in 1980 and 1990, and Algeria winning the last four encounters including a 2-1 win in the semi-finals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations courtesy of a Riyad Mahrez’s sublime free-kick in the fifth minute of added time. Algeria look balanced after a 1-0 extra-time win over DR Congo, led by Riyad Mahrez (three goals).
Nigeria have been explosive offensively, netting 12 goals in four games with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman each on three goals, but their defense remains somewhat. This could be a goal-fest, given both sides’ scoring form (Nigeria 12 goals, Algeria eight). With the Osimhen-Lookman issue sorted, the two danger men of the Super Eagles will look to continue their exceptional form against the Desert Foxes on Saturday evening.
3. Morocco v Cameroon
Hosts Morocco face serious pressure as favorites, being the only African side to reach a World Cup semi-final. Morocco have not been exactly spectacular advanced steadily but not spectacularly, with a 1-0 win over Tanzania and a 1-1 draw against Mali.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid superstar, Brahim Díaz is having a brilliant tournament as he leads the scorers chart with four goals and has registered at least one shot on target in every game.
Five-time champions, Cameroon arrived amid squad chaos but have gelled under David Pagou, playing compact, direct, but dynamic football with low expectations and high resolve, as seen in their 2-1 win over South Africa in the second round. In a partisan Rabat atmosphere, Cameroon could pose a real threat as they have won eight of their 13 meetings against Morocco.
4. Mali v Senegal
This West African derby pits two neighbors with contrasting styles. Senegal, boasting a star-studded squad including former Bayern Munich and Liverpool forward Sadio Mané, Nicolas Jackson, Ibrahim Mbaye and Ismaila Sarr, have been prolific, scoring 11 goals across four matches and often exceeding 2.5 goals per game.
Mali, under coach Tom Saintfiet, have been resilient but uninspiring, drawing all four games so far (including a penalty win over Tunisia in the round of 16) and relying on a solid defense. Mali progressed without a single win in regular or extra time, highlighting their defensive solidity but lack of cutting edge. If the goes into extra-time or penalties, then the Malians might just cause what might be termed as an upset.
