AFCON 2025 – quarter-finals: Dates, times, how to watch and predictions

AFCON 2025 has been whittled down to eight teams with the majority of the big guns still standing.

There are four mouthwatering quarter-finals to look forward to over the next few days as we head towards the denouement of a tournament that has already seen plenty of intriguing narratives.

So, what do we have to come? Here, we examine the last eight match-ups and offer some thoughts on what might happen.

FRIDAY

Mali v Senegal (4pm UK time)
On paper this appears a routine assignment for Senegal but Mali proved against Tunisia they cannot be discounted. Tom Saintfiet’s side have reached this stage despite not winning a game in Morocco. Three group stage draws were followed by a penalty shoot-out victory over Tunisia on Saturday. Even then they had to do it the hard way, playing for 64 minutes of normal time, and then the additional 30 minutes, with just 10 men following the dismissal of defender Woyo Coulibaly.
Senegal’s progress has been serene in comparison. Seven points in the group stage saw them cruise through to the last 16 where Sudan were dismissed 3-1. On paper, they have the strongest squad in the tournament and a front three of Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr and Nicolas Jackson should prove decisive.
Prediction: Mali 0-3 Senegal

Cameroon v Morocco (7pm UK time)
Tournament hosts Morocco are unbeaten but have still not sparkled. Perhaps the pressure placed on boss Walid Regragui and his players have taken its toll but they need to improve if they are satisfy the hopes of a nation. Captain Achraf Hakimi returned to the starting XI for the last 16 win over Tanzania and he and the tournament’s leading goalscorer Brahim Diaz will be expected to provide much-needed nous against five-time champions Cameroon.
This is not a vintage Indomitable Lions team but in Bryan Mbeumo and Carlos Baleba they possess players that perform regularly on the big stage.
Prediction: Cameroon 0-1 Morocco

SATURDAY

Algeria v Nigeria (4pm UK time)
Nigeria flexed their muscles with a 4-0 hammering of Mozambique in the first knockout round. However, all is not well in the camp following an on-field bust-up between striker Victor Osimhen and winger Ademola Lookman. Osimhen wagged his finger in Lookman’s face after the Atalanta man opted not to pass to him and later stormed down the tunnel after being substituted. There had been speculation the Galatasaray striker was quitting the Nigeria camp but reports today suggest the matter has been resolved. Whether the pair have truly made up remains to be seen.
Algeria will be delighted that two of their opponents’ star men are seemingly at loggerheads. They left it late to secure a spot in the last eight, Adil Boulbina netting deep into extra time to see off DR Congo 1-0.
Prediction: Algeria 1-2 Nigeria

Egypt v Ivory Coast (7pm UK time)
Arguably the pick of the last eight ties sees the likes of Mohamed Salah and Amad Diallo go head to head. A little like Morocco, Egypt have not yet hit top gear. But in Salah they have a reliable goalscorer with the Liverpool man having netted three times. Diallo has managed the same tally and often looked the most assured player in the tournament, offering class and skill amid the ferocious physicality. This is a tough one to call and will come down to moments, and quite possibly a penalty shoot out.
Prediction: Egypt 1-1 Ivory Coast

How to watch the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals

In the UK, live AFCON 2025 coverage is on Channel 4’s 4seven, All 4 and YouTube channel. In the USA, beIN Sports is the tournament broadcaster.

Online live streaming is available on a vast range of devices through Channel 4’s website and app and the beIN Sports app.