The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 is reaching a fever pitch. With the tournament in Morocco now deep into the knockout stages, the path to the final is becoming clearer. After a dramatic day of quarter-final action on January 9th, two teams have officially booked their places in the coveted semi-finals. Consequently, the continent holds its breath to see which two nations will join them.

This 35th edition of Africa’s biggest football tournament has delivered incredible moments. Now, let’s break down who is through and who still has a chance to claim glory.

Atlas Lions Roar into the Semis

The host nation, Morocco, has ended a long and painful wait. For the first time in 22 years, the Atlas Lions are in the AFCON semi-finals. They achieved this milestone with a commanding 2-0 victory over a resilient Cameroon side. The stadium was electric as the home team put on a clinical display.

The goals came from Brahim Díaz and Ismael Saibari, sealing a historic win for the team. Playing on home soil has clearly provided a significant boost. Therefore, Morocco enters the final four not just as a host but as a genuine contender for the title. Their performance sends a strong message to the remaining teams.

Senegal’s Steady March Forward

In another intense quarter-final clash, Senegal continued their title defence. The Teranga Lions secured their semi-final spot with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Mali. The match was a tense affair, showcasing the determination and grit that define championship-winning teams.

While the victory was narrow, it was enough to see them through. Senegal has consistently shown they can handle pressure throughout the tournament. As a result, they remain one of the most feared teams in the competition, keeping their dream of back-to-back titles alive. The team’s official channels provide updates on their journey.

Who Will Join Them? The Final Quarter-Finals

Two semi-final spots have been claimed, but two more are still up for grabs today, January 10, 2026. The remaining quarter-final matches feature some of the continent’s biggest footballing powerhouses. The stakes could not be higher.

The upcoming fixtures are:

• •Egypt vs. Cote d’Ivoire
• •Nigeria vs. Algeria

These matches promise to be thrilling encounters. Each team has a rich history in the competition, and all four will be desperate to advance. Football fans across Africa and the world will be watching closely to see who completes the semi-final lineup.

The Road to the Final Narrows

With Morocco and Senegal confirmed for the semi-finals on January 14, the excitement for AFCON 2025 is building. The host nation is riding a wave of national pride, while Senegal’s champions’ resolve looks unbreakable. Today’s matches will complete a spectacular final four, setting the stage for an unforgettable conclusion to the tournament. The final, set for January 18 in Rabat, is now just over a week away, and the race for African football’s ultimate prize is wide open.