AFCON 2025 Quarterfinals: Drama Peaks as Egypt, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Algeria Fight for Semi-Final Places

AFCON 2025 Quarterfinals: Drama Peaks as Egypt, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Algeria Fight for Semi-Final Places

AFCON 2025 Quarterfinals: Drama Peaks as Egypt, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Algeria Fight for Semi-Final Places

Abigael Wafula 09:06 - 10.01.2026

AFCON 2025 reaches a decisive stage today as African heavyweights clash in quarterfinal battles with semi-final places at stake.

The quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) reach a thrilling climax today, Saturday, January 10, 2026.

After Morocco and Senegal secured their progression yesterday, the spotlight shifts to Marrakech and Agadir for two high-stakes encounters between four of the most successful nations in the tournament's history.

By the end of tonight, the semi-final quartet will be complete, and fans are assured of mouthwatering matchups.

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AFCON 2025 Quarterfinal: Nigeria vs. Algeria

In what is arguably the most tactically intriguing match of the round, Nigeria face off against Algeria at the Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech, from 4:00 PM GMT (19:00 EAT).

The Super Eagles have been the tournament’s most lethal attacking force, scoring 12 goals across four matches. The partnership of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman has terrorised defences, with both players sitting on three goals apiece.

They face an Algerian side that has redefined defensive solidity. Algeria have conceded only once in the entire tournament and reached this stage through a gritty 1-0 extra-time win over DR Congo.

For Algeria, the key will be veteran Riyad Mahrez, whose creative spark remains vital. This match is a rematch of the 2019 semi-final, and Nigeria will be desperate to avoid another late heartbreak like the one Mahrez inflicted in Cairo.

AFCON 2025: Egypt vs. Ivory Coast

The day concludes with the most-played fixture in AFCON history, Egypt vs. Ivory Coast, at the Adrar Stadium, Agadir, from 7:00 PM GMT (22:00 EAT).

These two giants have met 11 times previously in the tournament, with Egypt often holding the upper hand. The Pharaohs, led by Mohamed Salah, are on a mission to end a 16-year trophy drought.

After a gruelling 3-1 extra-time win over Benin, fitness will be the biggest question mark for Hossam Hassan’s squad. Ivory Coast, the defending champions, look like a team that has found its rhythm at just the right time.

Their 3-0 demolition of Burkina Faso in the Round of 16 signalled that they are not ready to relinquish their crown.