CAN 2025 – quarter-finals: dates, times, how to watch and predictions

CAN 2025 was reduced to eight teams, with the majority of the big guns still standing.

There are four tantalizing quarter-finals to look forward to over the coming days as we head towards the denouement of a tournament that has already seen many intriguing storylines.

So, what should we come for? Here, we look at the last eight games and offer some thoughts on what could happen.

FRIDAY

Mali v Senegal (4:00 p.m. UK time)
On paper, this seems like a routine mission for Senegal but Mali proven against Tunisia, they cannot be ruled out. Tom Saintfiet’s team reached this stage even though they did not win a single match in Morocco. Three draws in the group stage were followed by a penalty shootout victory against Tunisia on Saturday. And yet, they had to do it the hard way, playing 64 minutes of normal time, then an additional 30 minutes, with only 10 men, following the expulsion of defender Woyo Coulibaly.
By comparison, Senegal’s progress has been serene. Seven points in the group stage saw them qualify for the round of 16 where Sudan were eliminated 3-1. On paper, they have the strongest team in the tournament and a front three of Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr and Nicolas Jackson should prove decisive.
Prediction: Mali 0-3 Senegal

Cameroon v Morocco (7pm UK time)
Tournament hosts Morocco are undefeated but have still not shone. Perhaps the pressure put on boss Walid Regragui and his players has taken its toll, but they must improve if they are to satisfy a nation’s hopes. Captain Achraf Hakimi returned to the starting XI in the round of 16 against Tanzania. He and the tournament’s top scorer Brahim Diaz should provide much-needed support against the five-time champions. Cameroon.
This isn’t a vintage Indomitable Lions team, but in Bryan Mbeumo and Carlos Baleba they have players who regularly perform on the big stage.
Prediction: Cameroon 0-1 Morocco

SATURDAY

Algeria v Nigeria (4:00 p.m. UK time)
Nigeria showed their muscles by beating Mozambique 4-0 in the first knockout round. However, all is not well in the camp following an on-pitch argument between striker Victor Osimhen and winger Ademola Lookman. Osimhen waved his finger in Lookman’s face after the Atalanta man opted not to pass him and then stormed down the tunnel after being substituted. There had been speculation that the Galatasaray striker would leave the Nigerian camp, but reports released today suggest the issue has been resolved. It remains to be seen whether the two men have truly reconciled.
Algeria will be delighted that two of their opponents’ star men are seemingly at loggerheads. They stayed late to secure a place in the quarter-finals, with Adil Boulbina scoring deep into extra time to defeat DR Congo 1-0.
Prediction: Algeria 1-2 Nigeria

Egypt v Ivory Coast (7 p.m. UK time)
It can be said that the pick of the last eight games sees Mohamed Salah and Amad Diallo face off. A bit like Morocco, Egypt have not yet reached the next level. But in Salah they have a reliable goalscorer, with the Liverpool man having scored three times. Diallo achieved the same record and often looked like the most assured player in the tournament, offering class and skill amid a fierce physique. It’s a difficult decision to make and it will be decided in a matter of moments, and most likely in a penalty shootout.
Prediction: Egypt 1-1 Ivory Coast

How to watch the CAN 2025 quarter-finals

In the UK, live CAN 2025 coverage is on Channel 4’s 4seven, All 4 and YouTube channels. In the USA, beIN Sports is the tournament broadcaster.

Online live streaming is available on a wide range of devices via Channel 4 website and the beIN Sports app and app.