Host nation Morocco booked their place in an Africa Cup of Nations semi-final for the first time since 2004 as they saw off fellow tournament heavyweight Morocco in a frantic last-eight encounter.
Tournament top scorer Brahim Diaz broke the deadlock for the Atlas Lions, scoring his fifth Afcon goal in as many goals, before Ismael Saibari gave Morocco breathing space with 16 minutes to play.
Awaiting Morocco in the last four will be either free-scoring Nigeria or neighbours Algeria, two potential clashes which will be sure to bring the fireworks.
Their triumph came after Senegal overcome Mali in a 1-0 win, with Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye capitalising on a goalkeeping error to make the difference and set up a tantalising semi-final tie against either Egypt or Ivory Coast.
Follow all the latest updates from the Afcon 2025 quarter-finals:
Afcon 2025 live
- Afcon 2025 enters its quarter-final stage
- Host nation Morocco see off Cameroon to seal first Afcon semi-final place since 2004
- Senegal beat Mali in the day's first last-eight tie to set up last-four clash with Ivory Coast or Egypt
- 74' GOAL! Saibari drills home to give Morocco breathing space [CMR 0-1 MAR]
- 26' GOAL! Top scorer Diaz continues stellar Afcon form to put hosts in front [CMR 0-1 MAR]
Morocco seal first Afcon semi-final since 2004 with convincing win over Cameroon
21:33 , Will CastleBrahim Diaz scored for the fifth game in a row at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as hosts Morocco defeated Cameroon 2-0 in their quarter-final clash to keep alive their hopes of a first continental title in 50 years.
Ismael Saibari was also on target in another workmanlike display in which Morocco were efficient enough, but also created little in the way of chances, netting from two of their three shots on target.
Cameroon had a strong shout for a penalty in the second half after what looked like a foul on Bryan Mbeumo but they too battled in the final third and did not force home goalkeeper Yassine Bounou into a save in the 90 minutes.
Morocco, who have yet to concede a goal in open play at the finals, face the winner of Saturday's third quarter-final between Algeria and Nigeria in the next round, a tie that will be played in Rabat on Wednesday.
Morocco seal first Afcon semi-final since 2004 with convincing win over Cameroon
Tomorrow's action
22:00 , Will CastleWe’re halfway through Afcon’s quarter-final stage. But don’t fret, the unmissable action isn’t stopping any time soon.
Here’s what you have to look forward to tomorrow!
Algeria v Nigeria | 4:00 PM | Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech, Morocco
Egypt v Ivory Coast | 7:00 PM | Le Grand Stade Agadir, Agadir, Morocco
Who can stop the Morocco machine?
21:45 , Will CastleTo play any team in such a hostile atmosphere is a hard task - but this Morocco side are relentless.
They’ve got the strength, they’ve got the speed and they’ve crucially got the depth. Just looking at the two teams’ benches tonight, there was an obvious gulf in quality.
Morocco have not won Afcon since 1976. They’ll still need to beat two of the continent's big hitters to end that drought, but this could well be their year.
Your first two Afcon 2025 semi-finalists
21:30 , Will CastleSemi-Finalists | Morocco 🇲🇦
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 9, 2026
The Atlas Lions are into the final four of the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/D1xSsOP5Sn
Semi-Finalists | Senegal 🇸🇳
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 9, 2026
The Lions of Teranga are into the final four of the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/IGKTwLUTJs
Morocco breeze past Cameroon into Afcon semi-finals
21:15 , Will Castle
FULL-TIME! Cameroon 0-2 Morocco
21:09 , Will CastleHost nation Morocco booked their place in an Africa Cup of Nations semi-final for the first time since 2004 as they saw off fellow tournament heavyweight Morocco in a frantic last-eight encounter.
Tournament top scorer Brahim Diaz broke the deadlock for the Atlas Lions, scoring his fifth Afcon goal in as many goals, before Ismael Saibari gave Morocco breathing space with 16 minutes to play.
Awaiting Morocco in the last four will be either free-scoring Nigeria or neighbours Algeria, two potential clashes which will be sure to bring the fireworks.
FULL-TIME! Cameroon 0-2 Morocco
20:59 , Will CastleMorocco are into the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2004!
This team will take some stopping.
Cameroon 0-2 Morocco
20:58 , Will Castle90+4 mins: Another Mbeumo delivery headed clear, but he’ll get a third go around with a second corner in as many minutes...
His corner flies straight into Bono’s gloves. This is all over.
Cameroon 0-2 Morocco
20:56 , Will Castle90+3 mins: Out-swinging corner from Mbeumo tries to inspire something late for Cameroon, to no luck.
They’ve won another free-kick on the opposite side, though.
Cameroon 0-2 Morocco
20:55 , Will Castle90+1 mins: Five minutes added on.
Cameroon need a miracle, and they’ll need to do it to the noise of deafening whistles in Rabat.
Cameroon 0-2 Morocco
20:54 , Will Castle89 mins: Brahim Diaz hits the deck holding his strapped-up thigh - Morocco will be praying this is fatigue rather than an injury.
He’s replaced either way by Igamane and it’s high-fives and hugs all round as he gets to the dugout.
The tournament top scorer has done his job tonight.
Cameroon 0-2 Morocco
20:52 , Will Castle88 mins: Mbeumo tries to fashion a moment of individual brilliance to give his country hope but Morocco throw enough bodies in the way to thwart the United winger.
Cameroon 0-2 Morocco
20:50 , Will Castle86 mins: Two of Morocco’s standout performers make way.
Goalscorer Saibari is replaced by Targhalline, while Rahimi comes on for Ezzalzouli, who has put one hell of a shift in tonight.
Cameroon 0-2 Morocco
20:49 , Will Castle84 mins: Morocco win a free-kick in a threatening position on the corner of the box, but Ezzalzouli can only fire into the wall.
That came after a bizarre delay where the referee had issue with the fact the Real Betis winger had moved the foam out of the way of the ball.
Cameroon 0-2 Morocco
20:46 , Will Castle82 mins: Dangerous delivery is lifted from deep towards Onana, who gets a great head on it and knocks the ball towards the back post, but there’s no Cameroon player following up.
These are the openings Cameroon must take at this stage.
Cameroon 0-2 Morocco
20:45 , Will Castle80 mins: Masina leads with the arm and clatters into Eyong on the edge of the Morocco box, but the referee for some reason blows for a foul against Cameroon.
Questionable officiating.
Cameroon 0-2 Morocco
20:42 , Will Castle78 mins: This is Pagou’s big throw of the dice as Cameroon make a triple substitution, bringing on Magri, Onana and Eyong for Namaso, Baleba and Kofane.
They try to respond quickly but the quality of crosses has just not been there for Cameroon tonight.
GOAL! Cameroon 0-2 Morocco (Saibari, 74')
20:38 , Will CastleJUST HOW IMPORTANT COULD THAT BE FOR THE ATLAS LIONS!
Cameroon are once again undone by a set-piece as Diaz’s delivery goes deep towards Saibari.
He controls the out-swinger brilliantly before drilling into the far corner, doubling Morocco’s lead.
Just as Cameroon were beginning to probe for a leveller, Morocco have breathing space.
Cameroon 0-1 Morocco
20:36 , Will Castle72 mins: CHANCE! Cameroon have been growing in life over the past 10 or so minutes and a corner nearly leads to that elusive equaliser.
It’s whipped in towards the back post where N’Koudou is diving in, but the winger can’t get there soon enough to divert goalwards.
Cameroon know they have to go for this. Now is the time to take risks.
Cameroon 0-1 Morocco
20:33 , Will Castle69 mins: Well, well, well. Cameroon have a huge penalty shout here.
Mbeumo darts into the box and is brought down by Masina with the Man United forward making clear contact with the Moroccan’s foot.
However, it’s deemed that Mbeumo moved into Masina rather than the other way round.
It’s a let-off for the host nation.
Cameroon 0-1 Morocco
20:31 , Will Castle66 mins: El Khannouss looks like he’s pulled something and makes way for Amrabat, who returns from an ankle injury.
Fenerbahce striker En-Nesyri also enters the fray in place of El Kaabi.
Morocco’s strength in depth could be the defining factor in achieving their Afcon dream.
Cameroon 0-1 Morocco
20:28 , Will Castle62 mins: OFF THE LINE! Heroics from Kotto to deny Morocco a second!
It’s wonderful link-up play as Hakimi is played down the line before whipping in a cross, which is heavily deflected to leave it on top of the goalkeeper.
Saibari puts Epassy under pressure and ends up knocking the ball goalwards after the Cameroon stopper can’t claim it, but Kotto gets back to hook the ball off the line in stunning fashion.
Replays show Saibari actually knocked the ball with his hand so it wouldn’t have counted - but Kotto was not to know that.
Cameroon 0-1 Morocco
20:24 , Will Castle60 mins: CHANCE! Ezzalzouli latches onto Hakimi’s corner and heads just over the bar.
That was a real sight at goal for the host nation.
Cameroon 0-1 Morocco
20:22 , Will Castle58 mins: Cameroon make their first voluntary substitution of the game, having been forced into a change to replace the injured Tchamadeu in the first half.
And unfortunately for Tchamadeu’s replacement Ebimbe, his number is up again - this time in red. The substitute is substituted, with former Spurs winger N’Koudou coming on.
Not a great look that.
Cameroon 0-1 Morocco
20:17 , Will Castle53 mins: Sloppy pass from Aguerd gives Cameroon the a rare chance to punish Morocco in their final third, but they fail to link up smoothly and end up fouling El Aynaoui to relieve the pressure.
Cameroon 0-1 Morocco
20:13 , Will Castle49 mins: It’s been a stop-start first few minutes of the second half, with Morocco giving away a fair few fouls.
And as El Khannouss catches Ebong with a high boot, he becomes the first Morocco player to go into the book.
He joins the man he brought down as well as Cameroon’s Tolo as players with a yellow next to their name.
BACK UNDERWAY! Cameroon 0-1 Morocco
20:09 , Will CastleHere we go again!
Here come the teams
20:07 , Will CastleJust a few moments until the second half gets underway in Rabat.
The Cameroon players huddle up for one last pep talk as they look to try and get back into this one.
They may only be a goal down, but they were roundly dominated in that first 45. Work to do.
HALF-TIME! Cameroon 0-1 Morocco
19:55 , Will Castle
HALF-TIME! Cameroon 0-1 Morocco
19:53 , Will CastleThe whistle goes for the break, and the tournament’s MVP that is so far proving the distance.
Brahim Diaz’s goal gives Morocco the advantage after what has been a frantic 45 minutes of football.
Cameroon 0-1 Morocco
19:49 , Will Castle45+3 mins: CHANCE! Morocco devastatingly counter up the other end, with Ezzalzouli slipping El Kaabi into the box.
The striker lets fly but can only fire into the side netting.
Cameroon 0-1 Morocco
19:48 , Will Castle45+2 mins: Mbeumo gets it over the wall but not beyond the first Morocco man in the box, with Hakimi steering away.
A poor delivery.
Cameroon 0-1 Morocco
19:47 , Will Castle45+1 mins: Five minutes added on in first half stoppages.
Mbeumo is about to deliver a free-kick from deep for Cameroon.
Cameroon 0-1 Morocco
19:46 , Will Castle44 mins: Aguerd catches his man with a stray arm and then appears to trip over the downed Cameroon player, leaving him in a bad way.
It’s naughty from the Morocco defender, who leads with him elbow. He knew what he was doing.
Cameroon 0-1 Morocco
19:42 , Will Castle41 mins: Cameroon go up the other end and cause a bit of panic on the counter as Mbeumo delivers towards Ebimbe, who is blocked off by a Morocco body.
Morocco then put their opponents on the retreat again, with Cameroon captain Tolo hacking down Diaz to stop the attack progressing. He’s shown yellow and will therefore miss the semis, should his country make it there.
The pace of this game has been frantic since the very first kick.
Cameroon 0-1 Morocco
19:39 , Will Castle38 mins: CLOSE! Ellazouli comes onto his right foot and fires just wide of the top left corner.
It was always heading away from goal, but that didn’t stop some in the stadium from believing that had gone in.
Cameroon 0-1 Morocco
19:34 , Will Castle32 mins: Morocco are good value for their lead. They’ve been in near-total control since kick-off.
Cameroon are having their most joy with deliveries from deep, hoping to cause chaos in the Morocco box, but so far the host nation have dealt with everything that’s come their way.
Morocco’s press is also relentless. Cameroon’s defenders are being swarmed.
GOAL! Cameroon 0-1 Morocco (Diaz, 26')
19:28 , Will CastleMorocco have lift off, and it’s that man again!
Having peppered Cameroon’s box with crosses so far, this delivery finally leads to a goal as Diaz knocks El Kaabi’s header goalwards.
That’s five goals in five games for the Real Madrid man. He is in incredible form.
Cameroon 0-0 Morocco
19:25 , Will Castle24 mins: Tchamedeu is stretchered off and replaced by Dina Ebimbe.
Cameroon 0-0 Morocco
19:24 , Will Castle22 mins: Tchamedeu is back on the deck - and this time, it’s the end of his evening.
The stretcher is out and judging by his tearful reaction, he probably knows this is the last he will play at this Afcon.
Cameroon 0-0 Morocco
19:20 , Will Castle18 mins: Cameroon players are furious as Brahim Diaz’s high boot meets the head of an opposition rather as he tries to connect with a low Hakimi free-kick.
The referee initially pointed for a corner but Cameroon ended up restarting play from their own box - he obviously changed his mind.
Tchamadeu is back on, by the way, and up the other end launches a HUGE throw towards the Morocco box. Headed away.
Cameroon 0-0 Morocco
19:17 , Will Castle15 mins: The miracle spray has been applied and Tchamadeu is back to his feet.
Play nevertheless gets back underway with Cameroon a man down.
A delightful cross is aimed for El Kaabi but it’s flicked beyond his reach. We know what he can do from crosses - two third of his goals this tournament have been bicycle kicks.
Cameroon 0-0 Morocco
19:16 , Will Castle14 mins: This looks a big concern for Cameroon and Tchamadeu.
He tries to tackle Mazraoui and in doing so, the United defender’s full body weight lands on his leg.
He’s holding his shirt over his eyes, looking in tears.
Cameroon 0-0 Morocco
19:13 , Will Castle11 mins: Hakimi tries slipping it down the line to catch out the Cameroon defence from the free-kick but gets the pass all wrong, passing it out for a goal-kick.
Nice idea, poor execution.
Cameroon 0-0 Morocco
19:12 , Will Castle10 mins: Great clearance from Malone to deal with a low cross towards the back post, but Morocco keep up the pressure and now have a free-kick outside the box.
Shooting position for Hakimi, this.
Cameroon 0-0 Morocco
19:10 , Will Castle8 mins: Morocco send in a succession of corners - some to a better standard than others - but as Cameroon clear, they demonstrate their threat on the counter.
Aguerd does very well to deal with the break on this occasion, but Morocco will need to be wary.
Cameroon 0-0 Morocco
19:07 , Will Castle6 mins: Brahim Diaz shows his quality for the first time tonight as the competition’s top scorer bursts towards the box and wins a free-kick.
This is in a dangerous position.
Cameroon 0-0 Morocco
19:05 , Will Castle3 mins: It is absolutely deafening in the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah.
Cameroon have ventured forward a couple of times in the early stages, to no real effect.
KICK-OFF! Cameroon 0-0 Morocco
19:01 , Will CastleAND WE’RE OFF!
Tale of two anthems
18:58 , Will CastleIf Cameroon needed any reminder that they’ll be playing in front of a very partisan crowd tonight, their national anthem was drowned out by the jeers of Moroccans.
The Rabat faithful then belted out their own anthem in deafening style.
The mood has been set.
Closing in on kick-off
18:54 , Will CastleThe players are lining up in the tunnel ahead of what will surely be a blockbuster Afcon quarter-final!
A place in the last four is on the line for two sides with serious ambitions of lifting the fabled prize.
All the action, up next!
Final preparations
18:56 , Will Castle
The quarter-final bracket
18:43 , Will CastleSenegal have already sealed their place in the semi-final, with a tantalising clash against either Ivory Coast or Egypt waiting for them.
For Cameroon and Morocco, the winner of tonight’s clash in Rabat will face Nigeria or Algeria.
Only the big guns are left standing!
It’s closing in. Now down to eight. 🏆
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 6, 2026
Who makes the semi-finals?#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | @1xBet_Eng pic.twitter.com/FwqPHPEVUT
Cameroon's route to this stage
18:35 , Will CastleGroup stage
Cameroon 1-0 Gabon | Le Grand Stade Agadir, Agadir, Morocco
Ivory Coast 1-1 Cameroon | Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech, Morocco
Mozambique 1-2 Cameroon | 7:00 PM | Le Grand Stade Agadir, Agadir, Morocco
Round of 16
South Africa 1-2 Cameroon | 7:00 PM | Stade El Barid, Rabat, Morocco
Morocco's route to this stage
18:30 , Will CastleGroup stage
Morocco 2-0 Comoros | Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, Rabat, Morocco
Morocco 1-1 Mali | Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, Rabat, Morocco
Zambia 0-3 Morocco | Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, Rabat, Morocco
Round of 16
Morocco 1-0 Tanzania | 4:00 PM | Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, Rabat, Morocco
How to watch Afcon 2025 for free
18:25 , Will CastleThe Africa Cup of Nations is hotting up with the knockout stages bringing drama and every game will be available to watch in the United Kingdom across Channel 4.
The broadcaster has secured exclusive rights to the 24-team tournament and will show every game on Channel 4, E4 or 4Seven, or online on Channel 4’s streaming service.
Cameroon v Morocco: Channel 4Seven, or stream online via All4
Team news
18:19 , Will CastleCameroon XI: Epassy; Malone, Kotto, Totlo; Tchamadeu, Ebong, Baleba, Namoso, Nagida; Mbeumo, Kofane.
Morocco XI: Bono; Hakimi, Aguerd, Masina, Mazraoui; El Khannouss, El Ayaouni, Sailbari; Diaz, El Kaabi, Ezzalzouli.
𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘-𝗨𝗣𝗦 📋
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 9, 2026
How Cameroon and Morocco will take the field tonight. 🇨🇲🇲🇦#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/RYSk7cKnYJ
Up next: Cameroon vs Morocco
18:17 , Will CastleSenegal are into the last four - but tonight’s Afcon action is only just getting started.
In the main event of the evening, hosts Morocco will face their sternest test of the competition so far as they take on Cameroon.
An African heavyweight is about to see to see its Afcon come to a crushing end.
Senegal see off Mali to seal place in Afcon semi-finals
18:14 , Will Castle
FULL-TIME! Mali 0-1 Senegal
18:05 , Will CastleIt’s all over in Tangiers!
Senegal have sealed their place in the last four of Afcon 2025.
Iliman Ndiaye’s strike proved the difference, who capitalised on a spill from Mali’s goalkeeper to score one of the easiest goals of his life in the first half.
The Teranga Lions were further helped by the sending off of Yves Bissouma, giving them a numbers advantage for the entirety of the second half.
And while they were unable to add to their tally, missing a number of good chances to put the game to bed, Senegal held their nerve to see off their opponents and go one step closer to that elusive African crown.
A tantalising meeting with either Egypt or Ivory Coast awaits in the semi-final for the Teranga Lions. Colossal.
Mali 0-1 Senegal
18:02 , Will Castle90+7 mins: Another great counter attack opportunity squandered by Senegal, there. A couple good touches and this would be over.
Mali 0-1 Senegal
18:01 , Will Castle90+6 mins: Diarra called into action to deny Mane once more with Senegal looking the more likely to score in these dying stages.
Mali have a free-kick just inside the Senegal half, though. This may well be last chance saloon.
Mali 0-1 Senegal
17:58 , Will Castle90+2 mins: SAVE! That was miraculous from Diarra!
Senegal looked to have messed up a great opportunity to put this to bed as they failed to capitalise on a numbers advantage on the counter.
But as the ball comes back to Camara, he lets fly on the volley and forces a stunning save from Diarra, parrying onto the post to keep his country in it.
Mali 0-1 Senegal
17:56 , Will Castle90+1 mins: After what has been a very stop-start second half, Mali have been awarded SEVEN minutes of stoppage time to keep their Afcon campaign alive.
Mali 0-1 Senegal
17:50 , Will Castle84 mins: Nervy times for Senegal, who despite dominating much of this game now need to hold on for the next few minutes to ensure their place in the Afcon semi-finals.
You can tell the fans are feeling the pressure - as Mali look to deliver from a deep free-kick, lasers bounce off the face of the taker. Not what you want to see.
Mali 0-1 Senegal
17:42 , Will Castle76 mins: CHANCE! It should’ve been put to bed!
Ciss pounces on a loose pass in front of Diaby and has only the goalkeeper to beat, but his finish doesn’t have the power or precision to beat Diarra.
The Mali keeper didn’t start this game well and was at fault for Senegal’s goal - but he hasn’t half kept his side in it.
Mali 0-1 Senegal
17:34 , Will Castle67 mins: Mali enjoyed a good few minutes where they looked like they might have Senegal on the ropes, saved only by their goalkeeper.
But now, it seems like Senegal have woken up.
Mane nearly produced a bit of individual brilliance as he cut inside and fired from range towards the top corner, denied by Diarra.
The Mali stopper then outdid himself from the resulting corner, getting down to his right to save Ciss’ header.
Mali 0-1 Senegal
17:24 , Will Castle56 mins: CHANCE! Senegal fall asleep at the back post and are grateful to their goalkeeper Mendy, who produces a big save to maintain their lead.
Proof if needed that despite the odds, a one-goal deficit is very much salvageable.
Mali 0-1 Senegal
17:14 , Will Castle49 mins: Both goalkeepers in action during the early stages.
Mendy nearly gets in a muddle with a Mali attacker bearing down on him, but he manages to hold onto the ball.
Then up the other end, Gueye shoots from distance and forces a good stop out of Diarra.
BACK UNDERWAY! Mali 0-1 Senegal
17:13 , Will CastleWe’re off again in Tangier.
A goal down and a man down, Mali need a small miracle to win this.
Still to come
17:00 , Will CastleAfcon hosts Morocco will face their sternest test of the competition so far tonight as they take on five-time champions Cameroon, who have already showed their title credentials this year by holding defending champions Ivory Coast to a 1-1 draw.
Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Diaz will look to continue his stellar form for the Atlas Lions, going into the game as Afcon 2025’s top scorer with four goals, though Cameroon have significant firepower of their own in the form of Manchester United star Bryan Mbeumo.
The mammoth quarter-final clash will take place after Senegal‘s meeting with Mali, with kick-off at 7pm GMT.
All things going Senegal's way against Mali
16:58 , Will Castle
HALF-TIME! Mali 0-1 Senegal
16:55 , Will CastleThat’ll be all for the first half in Tangier, and Senegal are in complete control.
They went a goal up through Iliman Ndiaye, who capitalised on a spill from Mali’s goalkeeper to score one of the easiest goals of his life.
And they enter the break a man up, with Tottenham’s Yves Bissouma shown a second yellow in first-half stoppage time.
Everything going in the Teranga Lions’ favour.
RED CARD! Mali 0-1 Senegal
16:50 , Will Castle45+3 mins: Disaster for Mali!
Yves Bissouma was already in the book and suspended to miss the semi-finals as a result - but the Mali captain has now been shown red!
A second yellow for a rash challenge - or potentially the dissent that followed - sees the Spurs man trudge down the tunnel in first-half stoppage time.
Mali 0-1 Senegal
16:48 , Will Castle45+1 mins: OFF THE BAR! Diouf comes so close to a second for Senegal as he breaks into the box, but Diarra pulls off a stunning save to deny the West Ham left-back as he palms onto the woodwork.
Mali 0-1 Senegal
16:40 , Will Castle40 mins: Clumsy again from the Mali goalkeeper in dealing with Mane’s free-kick - punching into the ground instead of away - but this, time his error doesn’t lead to a Senegal goal.
Mali 0-1 Senegal
16:40 , Will CastleSenegal have found their rhythm and this is really now pressure on for Mali.
Mali 0-1 Senegal
16:35 , Will Castle32 mins: CLOSE! Very nearly a second for Senegal as Papa Gueye fires just wide from outside the box.
That may have already been curtains for Mali had that crept inside the post.
GOAL! Mali 0-1 Senegal (Ndiaye, 28')
16:29 , Will CastleOut of almost nothing, Senegal take the lead!
It’s an absolute nightmare for Mali keeper Diarra, who spills Diatta’s low cross and gives Everton’s Ndiaye one of the easiest goals he’ll ever score, prodding home from short range.
Mali have been decent so far against one of the tournament favourites. To go behind like that will sting.
Mali 0-0 Senegal
16:27 , Will Castle23 mins: Now that is a blow for Mali.
It’s Bissouma with a silly challenge on Mane to end up in the book, and that yellow card means Mali will be without their captain for the next match, should they progress to the last four.
A semi-final tie against record-winners Egypt or reigning champions Ivory Coast awaits Mali if they overcome Senegal today. Bissouma will only be able to watch on.
Mali 0-0 Senegal
16:18 , Will Castle15 mins: Senegal growing in confidence as they take more of a control over this game.
They’ll nevertheless need to stay wary, however, with Mali already cultivating a giant killer reputation at this year’s Afcon.
They frustrated hosts Morocco to a 1-1 draw in the group stage before knocking out World Cup-bound Tunisia out on penalties in the round of 16.
Mali 0-0 Senegal
16:07 , Will Castle4 mins: Early penalty shout for Mali as Koulibaly dives in with a rash challenge on Sinayoko just inside the box.
The former Chelsea man gets nowhere near the ball and seems to nick the Mali man before he goes down.
However, the referee waves away the appeals and replays show that the contact was rather minimal, meaning VAR does not intervene.
A positive start from Mali, this.
KICK-OFF! Mali 0-0 Senegal
16:01 , Will CastleWe are underway in the first quarter-final of the day!
Senegal's route to this stage
16:10 , Will CastleGroup stage
Senegal 3-0 Botswana | Stade Ibn-Batouta, Tangier, Morocco
Senegal 1-1 Congo DR | Stade Ibn-Batouta, Tangier, Morocco
Benin 0-3 Senegal | 7:00 PM | Stade Ibn-Batouta, Tangier, Morocco
Round of 16
Senegal 3-1 Sudan | 4:00 PM | Stade Ibn-Batouta, Tangier, Morocco
Mali's route to this stage
16:15 , Will CastleGroup stage
Mali 1-1 Zambia | Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca, Morocco
Morocco 1-1 Mali | Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, Rabat, Morocco
Comoros 0-0 Mali | Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca, Morocco
Round of 16
Mali 1-1 Tunisia - Mali won 3-2 on penalties | 7:00 PM | Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca, Morocco
First up: Mali v Senegal
16:13 , Will CastleFirst on the docket for today’s Afcon quarter-final action is tournament heavyweights Senegal taking on Mali.
Senegal are among the favourites to lift the fabled trophy this year, powered by the likes of ex-Liverpool standout Sadio Mane and Everton star Iliman Ndiaye.
Mali boast their own strengths, though, with Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma among their more notable players.
Kick-off is just moments away in Tangier - here is the team news:
𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘-𝗨𝗣𝗦 📋
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 9, 2026
Mali and Senegal name their starting XIs. 🇲🇱🇸🇳#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/Fy0K1PbmMX
Key Afcon dates
16:08 , Will CastleThe knockout stages started on Saturday 3 January.
The final will be played on Sunday 18 January at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
How to watch Afcon 2025 for free
15:54 , Will CastleThe Africa Cup of Nations is hotting up with the knockout stages bringing drama and every game will be available to watch in the United Kingdom across Channel 4.
The broadcaster has secured exclusive rights to the 24-team tournament and will show every game on Channel 4, E4 or 4Seven, or online on Channel 4’s streaming service.
Mali v Senegal: Channel 4Seven, or stream online via All4
Cameroon v Morocco: Channel 4Seven, or stream online via All4
Today's order of play
15:52 , Will CastleHere are the Afcon quarter-final ties lined up for today:
Mali v Senegal | 4:00 PM | Stade Ibn-Batouta, Tangier, Morocco
Cameroon v Morocco | 7:00 PM | Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, Rabat, Morocco
Good afternoon
15:49 , Will CastleHello there and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the first two quarter-finals of Afcon 2025.
We’ll have all the action from Mali v Senegal and later Morocco v Cameroon, right here!
