AFCON 2025 has been whittled right down to eight groups with nearly all of the massive weapons nonetheless standing.
There are 4 mouthwatering quarter-finals to look ahead to over the subsequent few days as we head in the direction of the denouement of a event that has already seen loads of intriguing narratives.
So, what do we’ve got to return? Right here, we study the final eight match-ups and supply some ideas on what may occur.
FRIDAY
Mali v Senegal (4pm UK time)On paper this seems a routine task for Senegal however Mali proved towards Tunisia they can’t be discounted. Tom Saintfiet’s aspect have reached this stage regardless of not profitable a sport in Morocco. Three group stage attracts have been adopted by a penalty shoot-out victory over Tunisia on Saturday. Even then they needed to do it the arduous means, enjoying for 64 minutes of regular time, after which the extra half-hour, with simply 10 males following the dismissal of defender Woyo Coulibaly.Senegal’s progress has been serene compared. Seven factors within the group stage noticed them cruise by means of to the final 16 the place Sudan have been dismissed 3-1. On paper, they’ve the strongest squad within the event and a entrance three of Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr and Nicolas Jackson ought to show decisive.Prediction: Mali 0-3 Senegal
Cameroon v Morocco (7pm UK time)Match hosts Morocco are unbeaten however have nonetheless not sparkled. Maybe the strain positioned on boss Walid Regragui and his gamers have taken its toll however they should enhance if they’re fulfill the hopes of a nation. Captain Achraf Hakimi returned to the beginning XI for the final 16 win over Tanzania and he and the event’s main goalscorer Brahim Diaz can be anticipated to supply much-needed nous towards five-time champions Cameroon. This isn’t a classic Indomitable Lions group however in Bryan Mbeumo and Carlos Baleba they possess gamers that carry out repeatedly on the massive stage.Prediction: Cameroon 0-1 Morocco
SATURDAY
Algeria v Nigeria (4pm UK time)Nigeria flexed their muscle mass with a 4-0 hammering of Mozambique within the first knockout spherical. Nonetheless, all shouldn’t be nicely within 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 to not move to him and later stormed down the tunnel after being substituted. There had been hypothesis the Galatasaray striker was quitting the Nigeria camp however experiences right this moment recommend the matter has been resolved. Whether or not the pair have really made up stays to be seen.Algeria can be delighted that two of their opponents’ star males are seemingly at loggerheads. They left it late to safe a spot within the final eight, Adil Boulbina netting deep into additional time to see off DR Congo 1-0.Prediction: Algeria 1-2 Nigeria
Egypt v Ivory Coast (7pm UK time)Arguably the choose of the final eight ties sees the likes of Mohamed Salah and Amad Diallo go face to face. A little bit like Morocco, Egypt haven’t but hit prime gear. However in Salah they’ve a dependable goalscorer with the Liverpool man having netted 3 times. Diallo has managed the identical tally and infrequently regarded probably the most assured participant within the event, providing class and talent amid the ferocious physicality. This can be a powerful one to name and can come right down to moments, and fairly probably a penalty shoot out.Prediction: Egypt 1-1 Ivory Coast
Find out how to watch the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals
Within the UK, stay AFCON 2025 protection is on Channel 4’s 4seven, All 4 and YouTube channel. Within the USA, beIN Sports activities is the event broadcaster.
On-line stay streaming is obtainable on an unlimited vary of units by means of Channel 4’s web site and app and the beIN Sports activities app.
