The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-finals delivered thrilling action as two of the continent’s football powerhouses — Morocco and Senegal — booked their places in the semi-finals with standout victories on Friday, 9 January 2026. With hosts Morocco firing on all cylinders and Senegal edging a hard-fought derby against Mali, the race for continental glory intensifies.
Hosts Morocco Dominate Cameroon to Reach Last Four
In a commanding performance at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco defeated Cameroon 2–0 to secure a place in the AFCON semi-finals. The hosts took control early and never looked back, combining tactical discipline with attacking precision to overwhelm an inspired Cameroon side.
- 🇲🇦 Brahim Díaz continued his sensational tournament form, scoring in the 26th minute — his fifth goal in five matches — with a deft finish from close range following an Ayoub El Kaabi assist.
- 🅰️ Ismael Saibari sealed the victory in the 74th minute, tapping home after a well-worked set-piece to make it 2–0.
The win was a statement of intent from the Atlas Lions, who thrilled a passionate home crowd and remained unbeaten in open play at the tournament. Morocco will now face either Algeria or Nigeria in the semi-finals as they chase their first AFCON trophy in decades.
Despite Cameroon’s resilient defending, they were unable to create meaningful scoring opportunities — failing to register a shot on target — and exited the competition with pride.
Senegal’s Clinical Edge Sends Them into Semi-Finals
Earlier in the day, Senegal secured a 1–0 victory over Mali in Tangier to book their place in the AFCON semi-finals for the third time in four tournaments. In a tense West African clash, the difference came from a moment of quality and quick reactions in the penalty area.
- ⚽ Iliman Ndiaye delivered the decisive blow in the 27th minute, capitalizing on a goalkeeping error to slot the ball home and give the Lions of Teranga the lead.
- 🔴 Mali’s challenge was compounded when captain Yves Bissouma received a second yellow card on the brink of halftime, leaving his team with ten men for the entire second half.
Senegal controlled possession and dictated the pace after halftime, showcasing tactical discipline and defensive resilience to hold on for the narrow win. The result sets up a tantalizing semi-final clash against either Egypt or Côte d’Ivoire as Senegal continue their quest for continental glory.
Looking Ahead: Semi-Final Stakes and Anticipation
With the semi-final lineup now taking shape, the 2025 AFCON promises more high-stakes drama. Morocco, buoyed by strong home support and tactical balance, will face a stern test from North African rivals or the Super Eagles of Nigeria. Meanwhile, Senegal’s disciplined and clinical approach has them poised for a deep run as they seek to add another trophy to their illustrious history.
As questions mount — from tactical matchups to squad fitness and strategic adaptations — fans across Africa and beyond will be glued to what promises to be an unforgettable knockout stage in this year’s Africa Cup of Nations.
