Three Countries Already Qualified for AFCON 2025 Quarter-Finals

• Hosts Morocco have booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a narrow win over Tanzania, joining Senegal and Mali in the last eight.

Three teams have now secured qualification for the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with host nation Morocco becoming the latest side to advance.

Morocco sealed their place in the last eight on Sunday following a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Tanzania. The Atlas Lions, who went into the encounter as favourites, dominated possession and chances but found it difficult to break down a resilient Tanzanian defence.

The breakthrough finally came in the 64th minute when Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Díaz found the back of the net to score the match-winning goal. The strike also saw Díaz make history as the first Moroccan player to score in four separate AFCON matches.

Despite a spirited display from Tanzania, Morocco held on to secure the win and progress to the quarter-finals. They will now face the winner of the Round of 16 clash between South Africa and Cameroon, scheduled for January 9 or 10.

Earlier on Saturday, defending champions Senegal became the first team to reach the quarter-finals after a commanding 3–1 comeback victory over Sudan in Tangier.

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The Lions of Teranga recovered from an early setback, with Pape Gueye scoring twice, while captain Sadio Mané provided an assist in an influential performance.

Mali also booked their place in the last eight after a dramatic encounter against Tunisia. Reduced to 10 men, Mali equalised late to force extra time before the match was decided on penalties.

Goalkeeper Djigui Diarra emerged as the hero, saving two spot-kicks as Mali claimed a 3–2 shootout victory, with El Bilal Touré converting the decisive penalty.