Afcon 2025: Pressure on hosts Morocco, Mahrez still key for Algeria, Salah plays down Egypt chances

It’s been a high-quality Africa Cup of Nations so far and it’s no surprise it has delivered us an All-Star quarter-final line-up teeming with heavyweight clashes.

Here’s a look at the four matchups taking place in Morocco this Friday and Saturday.

Mali v Senegal

Friday, 8pm UAE – Stade Ibn-Batouta, Tangier

Mali sprung a surprise against Tunisia in the last-16. Playing with 10 men from midway through the first half, they conceded a late goal before equalising in the 96th minute to force extra time. Their brave efforts were ultimately rewarded as they edged out the Tunisians in a penalty shoot-out that saw their goalkeeper Djigui Diarra make two crucial saves.

The Eagles have made it to the Afcon quarter-finals for a seventh time and are seeking their first semi-final since 2013.

In this edition, they’ve reached the final eight without winning a game in open play, drawing all four of their matches, and now face a mighty opponent in Senegal, who are unbeaten so far in Morocco, scoring 10 goals and conceding just twice.

The 2021 champions historically have an edge over Mali and are unbeaten in their last 13 matches against their West African rivals.

Senegal have played all their matches so far in Tangier, while Mali played three in Casablanca and one in Rabat before they head north for their quarter-final showdown.

Key players

Mali’s Lassine Sinayoko has scored three so far this tournament, while keeper Diarra is the main reason they’re in the quarter-finals.

Senegal’s Pape Gueye inspired his side’s comeback win over Sudan in the last-16, netting a brace en route to their 3-1 victory. Sadio Mane has provided one goal and three assists for the Lions of Teranga so far in Morocco and the 33-year-old is the team’s irreplaceable leader.

Bayern Munich striker Nicolas Jackson has two goals and one assist through four matches and is looking like a player with something to prove amid club-level scrutiny.

Quotes

Mali coach Tom Saintfiet: “Senegal will be the favourites, just as Morocco and Tunisia were in our previous matches. We have a clear objective, which is to remain in the competition.”

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw: “We needed to dig deep to come from a goal down to be able to win the match [against Sudan]. Now we will focus on the next match by correcting some of the mistakes we noted in this game and pursue our goals with intensity.”

Cameroon v Morocco

Friday,