The race for Africa’s biggest football prize has intensified, with four nations already sealing quarter-final slots after gripping Round of 16 battles. The standout fixture will pit hosts Morocco against Cameroon, a clash of home pride and pedigree.
Morocco
Cameroon, the five-time champions, edged South Africa 2-1, taking early control through Junior Tchamadeu (35') and Christian Kofane (47') before Evidence Makgopa pulled one back late in the 88th minute.
Morocco progressed with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tanzania, inspired by a brilliant 64th-minute strike from Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz, who finally broke Tanzania’s stubborn defence in Rabat.
The hosts now face their toughest test yet as they look to keep their title dream alive on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 7:00 PM GMT. Earlier the same day, defending West African champions Senegal will battle Mali at 4:00 PM GMT in Tangier.
Senegal advanced with a 3-1 win over Sudan, while Mali survived a dramatic 10-man contest against Tunisia, prevailing on penalties.
The remaining quarter-finalists will be decided over the next 48 hours, with continental heavyweights still in contention. Matches on today’s card include Egypt vs Benin (16:00 UTC, Agadir) and Nigeria vs Mozambique (19:00 GMT, Fès). On Tuesday, Algeria face DR Congo (16:00 GMT, Rabat) and Ivory Coast meet Burkina Faso (19:00 GMT, Marrakech)—a historic tie, reviving Algeria and DR Congo’s first AFCON meeting in 26 years.
With fans roaring across Morocco, the tournament promises a gripping and fiery conclusion this Friday as Africa’s giants push for continental glory.
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