The Africa Cup of Nations has entered its decisive knockout phase, and the tournament's traditional superpowers are forcefully reasserting their authority. After a period where the continent's football pyramid broadened, the 2025 edition hosted by Morocco is witnessing a compelling resurgence of its most decorated nations.
Cameroon and Morocco Secure Tense Victories
Five-time champions Cameroon edged past South Africa with a 2-1 victory in their round of 16 clash. The Indomitable Lions, who arrived at the tournament amidst administrative chaos, displayed a dynamic and direct style under coach David Pagou. Their opening goal was calmly finished by Junior Tchamadeu, while Christian Kofane powered in a classic header from an Aboubakar Nagida cross for the second. South Africa mounted a strong second-half rally, but were denied by crucial saves from Cameroon's goalkeeper Devis Epassy.
The hosts, Morocco, also navigated a nervy path, securing a 1-0 win against Tanzania to claim only their fourth ever AFCON knockout victory. The sole goal came from Brahim Díaz, whose shot beat Tanzania's goalkeeper Hussein Masalanga at his near post. The move was ignited by a surging run from Achraf Hakimi, whose growing influence was pivotal in seeing Morocco through. The weight of expectation, having not won the tournament for 50 years, remains a palpable pressure on the Atlas Lions.
Senegal and Mali Book Quarter-Final Berths
In Saturday's action, Senegal demonstrated their quality by overcoming a stubborn Sudan side 3-1, despite conceding an early goal. Two excellent first-half finishes from Pape Gueye turned the tide, before Paris Saint-Germain's exciting 17-year-old forward, Ibrahim Mbaye, came off the bench to seal the win. Concerns linger over the openness of Senegal's midfield, an issue they will need to address against stronger opposition.
Mali's progression was dramatic, requiring a penalty shootout to defeat Tunisia after a match that was by turns tense and chaotic. Playing with ten men for over 90 minutes, it was a tactical triumph for their experienced Belgian coach, Tom Saintfiet. Mali's propensity for draws – 14 in their last 23 AFCON matches – continued, but Saintfiet's organised approach makes them a stubborn obstacle for any opponent.
A Historic Concentration of Quality Looms
The narrative of this tournament has shifted from potential shocks to a remarkable concentration of elite talent. With Nigeria and Egypt favourites to join them on Monday, there is a strong possibility that every nation to have won three or more AFCON titles (excluding Ghana, who did not qualify) will be present in the quarter-finals. They would be joined by the winner of the clash between two-time champions Algeria and DR Congo.
While some may lament a lack of surprise packages or breakout stars, the flip side is a last-eight stage brimming with pedigree and history. The business end of AFCON 2025 is shaping up to be a heavyweight contest, potentially the most prestigious set of quarter-finalists the competition has ever seen.
