\nAFCON, Quarterfinals, Set, Heavyweights, Clash<\/span>
\nAFCON 2025 Quarterfinals Set: Heavyweights Clash as Tournament Enters Decisive Phase.<\/span>\n<\/div>\n
<\/p>\n By: Juba Global News Network | JubaGlobal.com<\/strong> The TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 has reached its thrilling quarterfinal stage, with eight powerhouse teams vying for a spot in the semifinals. Hosted by Morocco, the tournament has delivered drama, standout performances, and unexpected twists throughout the group and knockout rounds. As the competition intensifies, fans across the continent and beyond are gearing up for blockbuster matchups that promise high-stakes football.<\/p>\n The round of 16 concluded with convincing victories for several favorites, setting up a quarterfinal lineup featuring defending champions, record holders, and ambitious hosts. Ivory Coast\u2019s dominant 3-0 win over Burkina Faso, highlighted by Manchester United\u2019s Amad Diallo\u2019s goal and assist, reaffirmed their title credentials. Algeria\u2019s dramatic extra-time triumph against DR Congo, sealed by Adil Boulbina\u2019s stunning 119th-minute strike, kept their perfect record intact. Nigeria\u2019s ruthless 4-0 dismantling of Mozambique, powered by Victor Osimhen\u2019s brace, showcased the Super Eagles\u2019 attacking prowess. Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah\u2019s late heroics in a 3-1 extra-time win over Benin, advanced as the seven-time champions continue their quest for an eighth crown.<\/p>\n These results have produced a quartet of quarterfinal ties loaded with history, rivalry, and star power. The action kicks off on Friday, January 9, with two West African derbies, followed by North African showdowns on Saturday.<\/p>\n Quarterfinal Fixtures<\/strong><\/p>\n Friday, January 9, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n Saturday, January 10, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n Path to the Quarterfinals: Key Round of 16 Highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n The knockout stage has lived up to AFCON\u2019s reputation for unpredictability and excitement:<\/p>\n Earlier round of 16 results included Morocco\u2019s narrow win over Tanzania, Cameroon\u2019s comeback against South Africa, and Mali\u2019s penalty shootout victory over Tunisia.<\/p>\n Stars Shining Bright<\/strong><\/p>\n Several players have emerged as tournament standouts:<\/p>\n What\u2019s at Stake?<\/strong><\/p>\n The winners of these quarterfinals will advance to the semifinals on January 14, with the third-place playoff on January 17 and the grand final on January 18 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Morocco\u2019s home advantage adds extra pressure, but with teams like Nigeria, Algeria, and Egypt in top form, an open tournament awaits.<\/p>\n AFCON 2025 has already captivated millions, blending skill, passion, and continental pride. As the quarterfinals loom, one thing is certain: Africa\u2019s premier football spectacle is far from over.<\/p>\n Stay tuned to Juba Global News Network for live updates, analysis, and exclusive coverage from Morocco.<\/p>\n Juba Global News Network \u2013 Connecting Africa, Informing the World.<\/strong> By: Juba Global News Network | JubaGlobal.com Rabat, Morocco \u2013 January 9, 2026 The TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 has reached its thrilli<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1199,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[786,830,643,1,869],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4714","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-africa","category-breaking-news","category-more-articles","category-news","category-sport"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/directtopic.com\/jubaglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4714","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/directtopic.com\/jubaglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/directtopic.com\/jubaglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/directtopic.com\/jubaglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1199"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/directtopic.com\/jubaglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4714"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/directtopic.com\/jubaglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4714\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22843,"href":"https:\/\/directtopic.com\/jubaglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4714\/revisions\/22843"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/directtopic.com\/jubaglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4714"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/directtopic.com\/jubaglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4714"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/directtopic.com\/jubaglobal.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4714"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"\"](\"https:\/\/directtopic.com\/jubaglobal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1977\/2026\/01\/IMG_1515.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n
Rabat, Morocco \u2013 January 9, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
A clash of West African giants, pitting 2021 champions Senegal against a resilient Mali side that advanced via penalties in the round of 16.<\/li>\n
Hosts Morocco, chasing their first title since 1976, face five-time winners Cameroon in what could be the tie of the round. Morocco edged Tanzania 1-0 thanks to Brahim D\u00edaz\u2019s strike, while Cameroon overcame South Africa 2-1.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Two unbeaten teams with perfect records collide. Algeria\u2019s late drama against DR Congo meets Nigeria\u2019s clinical finishing against Mozambique in a matchup of continental heavyweights.<\/li>\n
A repeat of classic encounters: Record seven-time champions Egypt, buoyed by Salah\u2019s influence, take on defending holders Ivory Coast in a battle for semifinal supremacy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
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