By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Kenya, January 09 2026 - The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 quarter-finals kicks off in style today, Friday, January 9, with two high-stakes ties featuring some of the continent’s biggest football powers.
Senegal vs Mali – West African Clash
In the first quarter-final of the night, Senegal takes on Mali at the Grande Stade de Tanger in what promises to be a tense West African showdown. Senegal enters the match in strong form, unbeaten in 15 AFCON matches and boasting a potent attacking record throughout the tournament. Mali, on the other hand, reached the quarter-final stage without winning a single match in regulation time, progressing via penalty shootout in their Last 16 encounter.
Historical context adds spice to the fixture: Senegal has dominated the rivalry over the years, unbeaten in their last 13 meetings against Mali, with 6 wins and 7 draws, while Mali’s last victory over Senegal dates back to 1997. The matchup also brings a personal subplot, with players like Senegal’s Sadio Mané and Mali’s Lassine Sinayoko ready to influence this critical knockout stage clash.
Cameroon vs Morocco – Hosts Face Historic Rivals
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Later in the evening, attention turns to Rabat, where hosts Morocco face five-time African champions Cameroon at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. The meeting marks the nations’ first AFCON encounter in nearly 40 years, with Cameroon historically unbeaten in their previous finals meetings, but Morocco have lifted their game on home soil.
Morocco enters the tie buoyed by a narrow but crucial victory in the Round of 16, with Brahim Díaz continuing his fine goalscoring form for the Atlas Lions. Meanwhile, Cameroon approaches the game with a continental pedigree and a strong defensive foundation. This clash promises a passionate battle between hosts determined to go deep in the competition and a traditional powerhouse aiming to derail local hopes.
With these two quarter-finals setting the tone for the weekend, the tournament’s intensity continues to escalate. Both matches are likely to showcase drama and high stakes that define AFCON’s knockout stages as the quest for continental glory picks up pace. Other upcoming fixtures include Egypt vs Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria vs Algeria, ensuring another weekend packed with African football excitement.
