Morocco, Senegal, and Mali stand as the first three teams through to the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, their hard-earned victories underscoring the tournament’s trademark blend of flair, resilience, and drama on Moroccan soil.
The hosts Morocco wrapped up the weekend’s action with a tense 1-0 defeat of Tanzania on Sunday at the Stade Ibn Battouta. Billed as clear favourites, the Atlas Lions bossed the ball but faltered in front of goal until Real Madrid’s Brahim Díaz slotted home the winner in the 64th minute. That strike propelled Morocco into the last eight and marked Díaz as the first Moroccan to score in four AFCON matches, per official tournament archives.
Tanzania bowed out with heads high after a gritty showing in their latest continental foray, while Morocco now eyes the outcome of the South Africa versus Cameroon last-16 tie slated for January 9 or 10.
Defending champions Senegal struck first overall, clawing back from a goal down to hammer Sudan 3-1 in Tangier on Saturday. Sadio Mané orchestrated the turnaround for the Lions of Teranga, assisting Pape Gueye’s clinical brace that flipped the script, as detailed in match logs.
This result cements Senegal’s knockout prowess, building on their 2022 crown—their first after decades of near-misses.
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Mali scraped through in a nerve-shredder against Tunisia, drawing 1-1 before a 3-2 penalty win after extra time. Down to 10 men post-red card, they levelled late to force the lottery, where keeper Djigui Diarra’s two saves paved the way for El Bilal Touré’s decisive spot-kick.
These breakthroughs echo the Africa Cup of Nations’ deep history, launched in 1957 as the African Nations Cup in Khartoum with Egypt prevailing over Sudan in the final—South Africa withdrew amid apartheid isolation, leaving Ethiopia as bronze medallists. Morocco hosted that inaugural event’s group stage but endured a long drought, enduring semi-final heartbreak in 1972 before their lone title in 1976 against Guinea.
Senegal’s arc traces to their 2021 (played 2022) glory, ending 33 years of finals defeats in 2002 and semis pain. Mali, perennial bridesmaids with four quarter-final runs since 1972, channel the grit of their 2012 final-four charge. Tanzania, debuting in 2019, embodies the expansion era post-1990s professionalism boom.
From four teams to 24 nations across six host venues, AFCON has mirrored Africa’s growth. Morocco’s hosting— their second after 1988—revives memories of that semi-final run amid evolving federation politics. As quarter-final paths firm up, the Lions, Eagles, and Atlas Lions embody the tournament’s unyielding pulse.
