The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarterfinals intensify on January 9, with two decisive fixtures that will determine the semifinal lineup.
Mali and Senegal are set to meet at 7 PM, followed by Cameroon against Morocco at 10PM EAT.
Both matches carry significant weight as four of the continent’s strongest football nations vie for a place in the last four.
Mali Face Tough Test Against Senegal
The first encounter at 7PM features Mali against Senegal at the Grand Stade de Tanger Stadium, Tanger.
Mali reached the quarterfinals after placing second in Group A and advancing from the Round of 16 on penalties against Tunisia.
Senegal qualified as Group D winners and defeated Sudan 3–1 in the Round of 16 to book a place in this fixture.
Senegal enter the match as favourites, having maintained a strong record against Mali in competitive fixtures over the years.
The two nations have met 40 times in all competitions, with Senegal winning 19 times, 8 wins in favour of Mali, and 13 matches ending in draws.
Across the 40 matches, Senegal have scored 61 goals, while Mali have scored 38 goals, a goal difference of +23 in favour of Senegal.
Senegal are unbeaten in the last 13 meetings between the sides, with six victories and seven draws.
Mali’s last win over Senegal occurred in 1997 in a friendly match.
Their most recent encounter was a friendly in 2019 in Dakar, with Senegal winning 2-1 thanks to late goals.
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At the Africa Cup of Nations proper, the teams have met only once before in the finals — a 1-1 draw in the 2004 group stage, with Dramane Traoré giving Mali the lead and Habib Beye equalizing in first‑half stoppage time.
Cameroon Ready for Morocco Test
The second quarterfinal unfolds under the lights at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, with kickoff set for 10:00 PM EAT.
Cameroon booked their place after finishing strongly in Group F, then edging South Africa 2–1 in the Round of 16, with goals from Junior Tchamadeu and Christian Kofane.
Across four matches, Cameroon has scored five goals and conceded three, relying on disciplined defending and decisive moments in attack.
Morocco, the host nation, advanced as Group A winners and overcame Tanzania 1–0 in the Round of 16 thanks to a strike from Brahim Díaz, assisted by Achraf Hakimi.
The Atlas Lions have been dominant throughout the tournament, scoring seven goals and conceding just one.
Cameroon and Morocco share a rich rivalry that spans decades.
At the Africa Cup of Nations finals, the two nations have met three times, with Cameroon unbeaten in those encounters.
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Their first meeting came in 1986, ending 1–1 in the group stage.
Two years later, Cameroon eliminated Morocco in the 1988 semifinal with a 1–0 win, courtesy of Cyril Makanaky.
The most recent AFCON clash was in 1992, where Cameroon triumphed 1–0 in the group stage.
Overall, Cameroon dominated the early head-to-head record, going unbeaten in the first 13 meetings between 1981 and 2017.
However, Morocco has shifted the balance in recent years, winning the last two senior encounters: 2–0 in AFCON 2019 qualifying with a brace from Hakim Ziyech, and 4–0 at CHAN 2020.
Cameroon Record Against AFCON Hosts
Cameroon have a strong record against AFCON hosts, with six wins, five draws, and two losses in such fixtures.
They are unbeaten in their last six matches against host nations, including knockout victories over Morocco in 1988, Mali in 2002, and Ghana in 2008.
That pedigree makes them a formidable opponent despite Morocco’s home advantage.
The winner will face Algeria or Nigeria in Rabat on January 14, setting up a potential heavyweight showdown.
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