All that was missing was Ivory Coast. This Tuesday, the Elephants defeated Burkina Faso (3-0) to become the last nation to enter the “Final 8” of the 2025 African Cup of Nations. Earlier, Algeria had dominated the Democratic Republic of Congo in the round of 16 (1-0, ap). The identity of the eight teams still in the running is now known.
Today’s two qualifiers join Mali, Senegal, Cameroon, Morocco, Egypt and Nigeria. For now, this is not the CAN of surprises. The international hierarchy was respected during the round of 16, where some less expected teams managed to slip through.
But the Super Eagles and the Senegalese Lions made a strong impression, while Mali, Morocco and Egypt came out much more difficult. After two days of calm, the party will resume Friday evening with two posters. The Malians will meet Senegal from 5 p.m. at the Stade Ibn-Batouta in Tangier.
Towards a Morocco-Algeria semi-final?
The Moroccan hosts will be in Rabat on the lawn of the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium against Cameroon at 8 p.m. The next day, the Nigerians will challenge the Fennecs (5 p.m.). Finally, the Pharaohs will face the reigning Ivorian champion at 8 p.m.
These quarters are already appetizing, but the last four could be grandiose with a part of the table made up of Morocco, organizing country and favorite at the start of the competition, Cameroon, its turmoil and its successful rejuvenation, Nigeria, the most impressive formation since the start of the tournament and Algeria, equipped with its individuals capable of overturning everything.
If the Fennecs overcome the imposing obstacle of the Super Eagles and the Atlas Lions triumph over the Indomitable Lions, a resounding Morocco-Algeria shock awaits the followers of the CAN in the semi-finals.
