By Michael Odegbe
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has reached its most electrifying stage yet, and the quarterfinals promise fireworks as Africa’s elite clash in and around Marrakesh.
All eyes will be on Luca Zidane, Algeria’s calm and dominant goalkeeper, who stands out as the only first-choice goalkeeper in the last eight to have kept a clean sheet in every match played so far. However, his impeccable record will face its toughest test yet against Nigeria’s formidable attacking line, led by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, the tournament’s two most effective strikers.
Osimhen and Lookman were a nightmare for defenders, scoring three goals each and securing Nigeria’s top scorer status with 12 goals. Zidane, however, quietly built his own history – defeating Sudan and Burkina Faso in the group stage, then returning to play for another composed performance in extra time as Algeria defeated DR Congo in the round of 16.
Adding a touch of footballing aristocracy to this story, Zinedine Zidane, his wife, and his son were in attendance at every match Luca played in. Despite this, the 27-year-old insists he is forging his own path.
“I’m trying to be myself, to build my career step by step,” Zidane said, emphasizing that representing Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations is a great honor, regardless of his famous surname.
Quarterfinal Matches to Watch
Mali vs. Senegal
Mali remains the surprise of the tournament – the only quarterfinalist yet to win a match in regular time. After three draws in the group stage, they eliminated Tunisia on penalties, playing most of the match with ten men. Senegal, meanwhile, welcomes back defensive leader Kalidou Koulibaly, and stars like Sadio Mané and Edouard Mendy are the pillars of a battle-hardened team.
Cameroon vs. Morocco
History favors Cameroon, who have never lost to Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations, but this Moroccan team looks different. With Achraf Hakimi back from injury and Brahim Díaz scoring in all four matches, the Atlas Lions are widely seen as tournament favorites, and poised to shake up old narratives.
Algeria vs. Nigeria
A heavyweight clash steeped in history. Algeria has often troubled Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations, but this Super Eagles team arrives with ruthless firepower. What worries Nigerian coach Eric Chelle? Defensive leaks, four goals conceded, the most of any team.
Egypt vs. Ivory Coast
Defending champions Ivory Coast will face their arch-rivals, Egypt, a team that has beaten them seven times at the Africa Cup of Nations. While the Ivorians comfortably defeated Burkina Faso, Egypt had to rely on a late extra-time goal from Mohamed Salah, who are still chasing their first Africa Cup of Nations title after finishing runners-up twice.
With seven former champions, packed stadiums, and stars on full alert, this Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal feels like a tournament within a tournament.
From Zidane’s calm gloves to Osimhen’s raw power, Africa’s best players are ready, and only four of them will move forward.
Be the first to comment