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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.Â
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 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 DÃaz, who finally broke Tanzania’s stubborn defence in Rabat. Â
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.Â
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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