LIVE: AFCON 2025 - Rolling updates of today’s action and key moments (6 January)

🕘 21:04 GMT🏁 – See You in the Quarter-Finals

That brings the curtain down on our live coverage of the Round of 16 at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.

After days of drama, late goals, extra time and unforgettable moments, the tournament has now reached its sharpest edge as the last eight are confirmed. 

Thank you for following our live updates throughout the Round of 16.

We’ll be back on Friday with comprehensive live coverage of the quarter-finals as the race for the AFCON crown reaches a thrilling new level.

Until then, enjoy the build-up — and good night from Morocco.

🕘 21:03 GMT

📅 Confirmed Quarter-Final Fixtures

The action resumes on Friday, with two mouth-watering encounters:

Friday, 9 January

• Mali vs Senegal

• Cameroon vs Morocco

The quarter-final line-up will be completed on Saturday with two heavyweight clashes:

Saturday, 10 January

• Egypt vs Côte d’Ivoire

• Nigeria vs Algeria

These fixtures promise a blend of rivalry, pedigree and raw intensity as Africa’s finest battle for semi-final places.

 

🕘 21:00 GMT 

✅ Teams through to the Quarter-Finals

The following nations have successfully navigated the knockout hurdle and remain in the hunt for continental glory:

• Senegal

• Mali

• Morocco

• Cameroon

• Egypt

• Nigeria

• Algeria

• Côte d'Ivoire

Eight nations, each with belief, history, and ambition, now stand just three wins away from lifting the trophy.

🕘 20:55 GMT – FULL-TIME

The final whistle sounds in Marrakech.
Côte d’Ivoire 3–0 Burkina Faso

A composed and professional performance sends the defending champions into the quarter-finals. Goals from Amad Diallo, Yan Diomande and Bazoumana Toure proved decisive, while Burkina Faso exit with pride after a spirited effort.

Côte d’Ivoire march on, their title defence very much alive under the Moroccan night sky.

🕗 20:50 GMT – Closing stages approach

With time running out, Burkina Faso commit more players forward, leaving spaces that Côte d’Ivoire look eager to exploit on the counter.

🕖 20:48 GMT – GOAL Cote d'Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire 3, Burkina Faso 0. Bazoumana Touré (Côte d'Ivoire) left footed shot from the left side of the box following a fast break.

🕗 20:40 GMT – Defending champions in command

Another Burkinabe attack is snuffed out. Côte d’Ivoire’s defensive discipline continues to deny their rivals any real momentum.

🕗 20:30 GMT – Half an hour to play

Burkina Faso search for a breakthrough, but clear chances are limited. Côte d’Ivoire look comfortable, confident and in control.

🕗 20:20 GMT – Ivorians manage the tempo

Côte d’Ivoire slow the pace intelligently, recycling possession and frustrating Burkina Faso’s attempts to force their way back into the contest.

🕗 20:10 GMT – Burkina Faso show urgency

The Stallions push higher up the pitch and enjoy a spell of possession, but Côte d’Ivoire remain organised and compact at the back.

🕗 20:06 GMT – Second half underway

The second half kicks off. Burkina Faso make a more assertive start, knowing they need a response to keep their tournament hopes alive.

⏸️ 19:48 GMT – HALF-TIME

Half-time in Marrakech and Côte d'Ivoire are firmly in control of this West African derby.
The defending champions head into the break with a deserved 2–0 lead over Burkina Faso, having combined composure with clinical finishing.

• 19’ – GOAL! Côte d’Ivoire 1–0 Burkina Faso
  Amad Diallo strikes first, firing a right-footed shot from the right side of the six-yard box into the top corner to ignite the Marrakech crowd.

• 34’ – GOAL! Côte d’Ivoire 2–0 Burkina Faso
  Yan Diomande doubles the advantage with a calm right-footed finish from the centre of the box, expertly assisted by Diallo.

Côte d’Ivoire have dominated key moments, while Burkina Faso face a steep task after the restart.

🕖 19:45 GMT – Added pressure before the break

Côte d’Ivoire push forward late in the half, pinning Burkina Faso deep, but clear chances are elusive as the Stallions have organised their defence after conceding two goals so far in the match.

🕖 19:40 GMT – Burkina Faso stand firm

Another Côte d’Ivoire attack is repelled. Burkina Faso’s defensive organisation continues to frustrate the holders who are seeking more goals.

🕖 19:35 GMT – Physical intensity increases

Challenges are flying in as tempers begin to rise. The referee keeps a close watch, knowing the importance of maintaining control in this derby.

🕖 19:31 GMT – GOAL Cote d'Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire 2, Burkina Faso 0. Yan Diomande (Côte d'Ivoire) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Amad Diallo.

🕖 19:25 GMT – Tactical battle unfolding

This match is becoming a chess contest. Burkina Faso sit deep and strike on the counter, while Côte d’Ivoire probe with controlled urgency.

🕖 19:20 GMT – GOAL Cote d'Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire 1, Burkina Faso 0. Amad Diallo (Côte d'Ivoire) scored with a right-footed shot from the right side of the six yard box.

🕖 19:15 GMT – Côte d’Ivoire grow into the game

The Elephants begin to impose themselves in midfield, patiently circulating the ball as they look for openings against a well-organised Burkinabe defence.

🕖 19:10 GMT – Burkina Faso show intent

Burkina Faso register the first meaningful attack, breaking quickly down the right before Côte d’Ivoire recover defensively. Early signs this will be a physical contest.

🕖 19:05 GMT – Cagey opening exchanges

A tense start from both sides. Possession is shared, with neither team willing to take early risks in a match where one mistake could be decisive.

🕖 19:00 GMT – KICK-OFF

The match is underway in Marrakech. Côte d’Ivoire get us started as Burkina Faso immediately settle into a compact, disciplined shape.

🕡 18:55 GMT – Five minutes to kick-off

Final instructions are delivered on both benches. This is a knockout match where caution and courage must go hand in hand. Extra time and penalties are very much part of the equation tonight.

🕡 18:50 GMT – Teams complete warm-ups

Both sides conclude their warm-up routines. Côte d’Ivoire look relaxed and focused, while Burkina Faso cut a determined figure, clearly unfazed by the champions’ status.

🕡 18:45 GMT – Tension rising in Marrakech

Supporters from both nations are steadily filling the stands. This is a fixture defined by history, proximity and pride, with nothing separating the two sides mentally as kick-off approaches.

🕡 18:40 GMT – Live build-up begins

Welcome to Marrakech as anticipation builds for tonight’s final Round of 16 encounter. Under the lights at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, defending champions Côte d’Ivoire face Burkina Faso in a high-stakes West African derby with a quarter-final place on the line.

🏁 18:36 – FULL-TIME (AFTER EXTRA TIME)

It’s all over at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan. Algeria snatch a late extra-time winner to edge past a resilient DR Congo and book their place in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025.

DR Congo pushed the 2019 champions to their limits with discipline, courage and organisation, but Algeria’s persistence is finally rewarded in the closing minutes of extra time.

The Fennecs march on in their quest for continental glory, while DR Congo exit the tournament with heads held high after a gallant knockout performance.

🕖 18:33 – GOAL ALGERIA!!!

Algeria 1, DR Congo 0

The deadlock is finally broken in dramatic fashion. Adil Boulbina unleashes a stunning right-footed strike from the left side of the box, sending the ball soaring into the top right corner. A moment of brilliance at the death, created by Ramiz Zerrouki, ignites wild celebrations in Rabat.

🕖 18:30 – Minutes remaining

Time is running out in extra time. Both teams show signs of exhaustion as the prospect of penalties edges closer.

🕕 18:25 – Final push

Algeria press forward with renewed intent, but DR Congo hold firm, defending deep and resisting late pressure.

🕕 18:20 – EXTRA TIME: SECOND HALF BEGINS

The second half of extra time is underway. With penalties looming, urgency increases for both teams.

🕕 18:18 – EXTRA TIME HALF-TIME

The referee signals the end of the first period of extra time. Still no separating the two sides as tension rises inside the stadium.

🕕 18:10 – Cautious approach

Extra time begins with a measured tempo as players conserve energy. Algeria continue to see more of the ball, but clear chances remain elusive.

🕕 17:58 – EXTRA TIME: FIRST HALF BEGINS

The first half of extra time gets underway. Algeria restart play, looking to capitalise on their territorial dominance, while DR Congo remain compact and alert.

🕕 17:52 – Extra time about to begin

Both teams gather around their coaches for final instructions as players prepare for an additional 30 minutes. Fatigue and focus will now be decisive.

⏱️ EXTRA TIME – Algeria vs DR Congo

Round of 16 | Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan, Rabat
All times GMT

🕔 17:50 – Final stretch

Nerves begin to show as we enter the closing stages. Every pass and challenge is met with a roar from the crowd.

🕔 17:40 – Pressure builds

Algeria apply sustained pressure, but DR Congo continue to defend with discipline and resilience.

🕔 17:30 – Coaches react

Substitutes are being prepared as both benches look for fresh energy to influence the match.

🕔 17:15 – Intensity rises

The tempo lifts noticeably, with Algeria pushing higher and DR Congo responding with quick transitions.

🕔 17:05 – Second half underway

We are back in action in Rabat as both teams restart with renewed urgency.

⏸️ 16:50 – HALF-TIME

The referee signals half-time after a tense and tactical opening 45 minutes. The contest remains delicately poised heading into the second half.

🕓 16:45 – Approaching half-time

Algeria increase the tempo in the closing stages of the first half, while DR Congo stay alert to counter-attacks.

🕓 16:40 – Game finely balanced

Neither side has managed to carve out a clear opening yet, with the match being played largely in midfield.

🕓 16:30 – Tactical battle

Algeria probe for openings, but DR Congo remain compact and organised, closing down space effectively.

🕓 16:20 – Physical contest

Strong challenges fly in across midfield as both teams look to establish authority and rhythm.

🕓 16:10 – Bright start

Algeria enjoy early possession, moving the ball patiently as DR Congo settle into their defensive shape.

🕓 16:00 – KICK-OFF

The referee blows the whistle and the Round of 16 clash between Algeria and DR Congo is underway in Rabat.

🕒 15:50 – Moments away

The atmosphere is tense and electric. Both sides are ready as the teams line up for the national anthems.

🕒 15:40 – Ten minutes to kick-off

The stadium announcer confirms team line-ups as anticipation builds. Players begin to head back towards the tunnel.

🕒 15:30 – Final preparations

Coaches deliver instructions on the touchline as substitutes complete their warm-ups. Everything is nearly set.

🕒 15:20 – Focus on discipline

With fine margins deciding knockout matches, concentration, set-piece execution and game management will be crucial this afternoon.

🕒 15:10 – Players arrive on the pitch

Both teams step out for warm-ups, greeted by loud applause from the stands. The intensity is already evident in the drills.

🕒 15:00 – Tactical expectations

Algeria are expected to control possession and press high, while DR Congo will likely look to stay compact and strike on transitions.

🕑 14:50 – Crowd building in Rabat

Supporters are steadily filling the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan, with colours, drums and chants already creating a knockout-stage atmosphere.

🕑 14:40 – DR Congo’s quiet strength

DR Congo may not have grabbed headlines, but their compact structure, physical presence and ability to manage games have made them a dangerous opponent.

🕑 14:40 GMT – Knockout football mindset

Players complete their warm-ups under clear Moroccan skies. At this stage, form matters less than focus — a single moment can decide everything.

🕑 14:30 GMT – Team news filtering through

Both coaches are expected to field close to their strongest line-ups, with Algeria’s balance between youth and experience facing DR Congo’s physical intensity and counter-attacking threat.

🕑 14:20 GMT – What’s at stake

Algeria arrive unbeaten and perfect from the group stage, while DR Congo have quietly built momentum with disciplined performances. One mistake today could end a tournament journey.

🕑 14:10 GMT – Build-up intensifies in Rabat

Supporters are steadily filling the stands at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan, with a vibrant mix of Algerian green and Congolese blue already creating a knockout-stage atmosphere.

🕑 14:00 GMT – Live blog opens

Welcome back to Rabat as the Round of 16 reaches its final day at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025. Two quarter-final places are up for grabs today, starting with a heavyweight showdown between Algeria and DR Congo.

🕑 14:00 GMT – Live blog opens

Good afternoon and welcome to our live blog coverage of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, as the tournament reaches a decisive moment today, Tuesday 6 January 2026, with the fourth and final Matchday of the Round of 16.

All timings are in GMT, and we’ll be with you throughout the day bringing minute-by-minute updates as Africa’s finest battle for the remaining quarter-final places.

The group stage delivered drama, goals and surprises, with traditional heavyweights asserting authority while emerging sides wrote history by reaching the knockout rounds. Now, the margin for error is gone, and today marks the final chance for teams to stay alive in the competition.

This afternoon at 16:00 GMT, Algeria face a stern test against a resilient DR Congo side in Rabat, before the evening showdown at 19:00 GMT in Marrakech sees defending champions Côte d’Ivoire take on a fearless Burkina Faso.

We’ll follow both matches in a live blog, with updates every ten minutes, key moments as they happen, and contextual insights from across the tournament.

Stay with us as the Round of 16 reaches its conclusion and the final quarter-final line-up takes shape in Morocco.