The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 reaches a decisive stage on Thursday, 9 January, with two heavyweight quarter-final clashes set to ignite Tangier and Rabat.
A fierce West African derby between Senegal and Mali takes centre stage, whereas hosts Morocco face a frightening examination in opposition to five-time champions Cameroon.
Senegal vs Mali: Acquainted Foes Renew Rivalry in Tangier
Senegal and Mali will lock horns on the Grande Stade de Tanger in a extremely anticipated quarter-final showdown, with kick-off scheduled for 17:00 native time (16:00 GMT).
It will likely be solely the second time the 2 neighbours meet at AFCON finals, their earlier encounter coming within the 2004 group stage, a 1-1 attract Tunisia.
Nevertheless, the broader rivalry is way richer: this would be the forty first assembly between the perimeters, with Senegal holding a transparent historic benefit, boasting 19 wins to Mali’s eight, alongside 13 attracts.
Senegal arrive in Tangier filled with confidence. The reigning African champions are unbeaten of their final 15 AFCON matches and have scored in every of their 4 video games on the present match.
They’ve additionally loved a long-standing dominance over Mali, remaining unbeaten of their final 13 encounters (six wins, seven attracts).
Mali’s path to the final eight has been dramatic fairly than dominant. The Eagles are but to win a match in open play on the match, drawing all 4 outings earlier than edging Tunisia on penalties within the Spherical of 16.
Nonetheless, Mali have developed a popularity for resilience in knockout soccer and can draw perception from their sturdy historic document in quarter-finals, having progressed from this stage 5 instances beforehand.
Key figures are anticipated to form the competition. Senegal captain Sadio Mané leads the match’s help charts and continues to affect video games decisively, whereas Mali will look to in-form ahead Lassine Sinayoko, whose three targets have underpinned their progress.
With contrasting types and excessive stakes, the Tangier conflict guarantees depth, self-discipline and fantastic margins.
Cameroon vs Morocco: Hosts Confront Historical past in Rabat
Later within the night, hosts Morocco face one among their sternest assessments but after they meet Cameroon on the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with kick-off at 20:00 native time (19:00 GMT).
It’s a fixture steeped in AFCON historical past.
Cameroon are unbeaten in opposition to Morocco at AFCON finals, profitable two and drawing one among their earlier three conferences.
Notably, the Indomitable Lions eradicated the Atlas Lions within the 1988 semi-finals on Moroccan soil, a reminiscence that also lingers for dwelling supporters.
Cameroon, five-time AFCON winners, are famend for thriving in hostile environments.
They’ve confronted match hosts 13 instances in AFCON historical past, recording six wins, 5 attracts and simply two defeats.
Crucially, they’re unbeaten of their final six matches in opposition to host nations and have eradicated hosts on a number of events in knockout rounds.
