The AFCON 2025 (Africa Cup of Nations) has reached its most dramatic stage yet, with the quarter-finals delivering high drama, fallen champions, and heavyweights as Nigeria, Egypt, Senegal and Morocco booked their places in the semi-finals.
From Mohamed Salah’s masterclass against defending champions Ivory Coast, to Nigeria’s ruthless dismantling of Algeria, Morocco’s unrelenting home dominance, and Senegal’s hard-fought victory over Mali.
Egypt End Ivory Coast’s Reign in Five-Goal Thriller
Seven-time champions Egypt moved one step closer to ending their AFCON title drought with a pulsating 3–2 victory over holders Ivory Coast in Agadir, ending the Elephants’ title defence after five matches.
The Pharaohs struck early, with Omar Marmoush curling home a fine right-footed effort in the fourth minute, capitalising on a midfield error after Hamdy Fathy robbed Franck Kessie and found Emam Ashour, who fed Marmoush.
The forward raced ahead of Odilon Kossounou, who lost his footing attempting a clearance, before finishing calmly beyond Yahia Fofana.
Ivory Coast, clearly unsettled, survived a scare moments later when Marmoush nearly forced a penalty, only to be denied by the offside flag.
Egypt doubled their advantage on 32 minutes when Mohamed Salah’s fine delivery from a corner found Rami Rabia, who rose unmarked at the back post to head home.
The Elephants found a lifeline just before the break. Emam Ashour brought down Yan Diomande, and the wonderkid dusted himself off to whip in a dangerous free-kick.
Kossounou flicked a header goalward, and Ahmed Abou El Fotouh, tracking back towards his own goal, inadvertently deflected the ball past Mohamed El Shenawy to make it 2–1.
Any hopes of an Ivorian comeback were dashed seven minutes after the restart. Timing his run perfectly to meet Ashour’s magnificent outside-of-the-boot through ball, Salah held off Ghislain Konan before prodding the ball across Fofana and into the net to restore Egypt’s two-goal cushion.
Ivory Coast refused to fold. With Emerse Faé sacrificing Kessie and introducing Jean-Philippe Krasso, the pressure mounted, and in the 73rd minute, Guela Doué flicked the ball home with his heel, reacting quickest after Krasso headed the ball back across goal and El Shenawy denied Ibrahim Sangaré.
Egypt expertly killed the tempo of a late pressure, slowing the game, managing the clock and preserving their narrow advantage as the reigning champions bowed out.
Egypt now advance to face Senegal in a highly anticipated rematch of the 2019 final, with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané set to cross paths again in Tanger on January 14.
Senegal Grind Past Mali to Reach Last Four
Senegal, champions in 2021, continued their steady march through the tournament with a 1–0 quarter-final win over Mali, sealing their place in the semi-finals.
The Lions of Teranga have now scored 11 goals in the competition, with Sadio Mané emerging as the standout performer, contributing one goal and three assists so far.
At the back, Edouard Mendy has been exceptional, conceding only two goals in the tournament and keeping three clean sheets, providing Senegal with the defensive solidity required to navigate tense knockout encounters.
Morocco Maintain Home Fortress Against Cameroon
Tournament hosts Morocco continued their imperious run with a composed 2–0 victory over Cameroon, once again asserting their dominance at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The Atlas Lions have been one of the most complete teams at AFCON 2025, conceding just one goal, which came via a penalty against Mali in the group stage, while scoring nine goals overall.
All of Morocco’s matches have been played in Rabat, where they have now won four times and drawn once, turning the stadium into a fortress.
Brahim Díaz has been the standout star, scoring five goals in five games, while goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has delivered crucial saves at key moments, underpinning Morocco’s balance between attacking flair and defensive control.
Nigeria Dominate Algeria to Complete Semi-Final Line-Up
Nigeria sealed the final semi-final ticket with an emphatic 2–0 win over Algeria, underlining their status as one of the tournament’s most dangerous sides.
The Super Eagles have been devastating in attack, scoring 14 goals in five matches, conceding four, and keeping two clean sheets.
They have averaged 61.9 percent possession and 2.8 goals per match, combining control with cutting-edge efficiency.
Victor Osimhen has led the charge with four goals and two assists, while Ademola Lookman has contributed three goals and four assists. In midfield, Alex Iwobi has been instrumental, dictating tempo, breaking lines, and creating chances consistently.
Road to the AFCON 2025 Semi-Finals: Team-by-Team Snapshot
Egypt
Senegal
Morocco
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Quarter-final: 2–0 vs Cameroon
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Goals scored: 9
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Goals conceded: 1
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Home record: 4 wins, 1 draw
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Key players:
Nigeria
AFCON 2025 Semi-Final Fixtures Confirmed
The stage is now set for two blockbuster semi-final clashes on Wednesday, January 14, 2026:
