RE-LIVE: AFCON 2025 - Rolling updates of today’s action - Cameroon 0-2 Morocco and Senegal 1-0 Mali
🔚 GOOD NIGHT AND SEE YOU TOMORROW FOR TWO EXCITING MATCHES
And the story is far from over. The live blog returns tomorrow with two blockbuster semi-final clashes that promise even more fireworks.
At 16:00 GMT, Algeria take on Nigeria in a heavyweight showdown, before Egypt face defending champions Côte d'Ivoire at 19:00 GMT in a clash rich with history, pressure and ambition.
This AFCON continues to be top class, exhilarating and nail-biting, with matches decided by fine margins and moments of brilliance that keep fans on the edge of their seats from first whistle to last.
Thank you for staying with us tonight — rest well, and join us again tomorrow as Africa’s biggest football stage delivers yet another chapter of unforgettable drama.
22:04 GMT🏁 FULL-TIME
What a night of football at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025. The quarter-final picture continues to take shape, and tonight it is Morocco and Senegal who have sealed their places in the semi-finals after two gripping encounters that once again underlined the unforgiving nature of knockout football.
From Senegal’s discipline and efficiency earlier in the day to Morocco’s patience and extra-time brilliance under the Rabat lights, the tournament has once more delivered football of the highest standard.
Every pass, every duel and every moment has mattered — proof that AFCON 2025 is living up to its reputation as a competition defined by intensity, quality and pure drama.
22:00 GMT🏁 FULL-TIME | MOROCCO MARCH INTO THE SEMI-FINALS
The match is over in Rabat, and Morocco are through to the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 with a commanding 2–0 victory over Cameroon.
After 90 minutes of intense, Morocco won the match with goals in either half of the match in Rabat.
Brahim Díaz reacted quickest inside the six-yard box, firing a left-footed finish into the bottom left corner after a corner delivered and recycled by Ayoub El Kaabi.
As Cameroon pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Morocco struck again to seal the contest in the second hald. Ismaël Saibari produced a moment of quality, driving a left-footed shot from the left side of the box into the bottom right corner, following a well-worked set-piece assisted by Nayef Aguerd.
It was a victory built on patience, control and belief — hallmarks of Walid Regragui’s side — as the Atlas Lions finally broke their AFCON knockout hoodoo against Cameroon and did so on home soil. Cameroon exit with pride after another disciplined and courageous display, but it is Morocco who take the decisive steps forward.
🔴 Morocco advance to the semi-finals, keeping their continental dream alive in front of a jubilant Rabat crowd — and sending a powerful message that legacy and the present can indeed move in the same direction.
🕗 20:40 GMT
Morocco have already throw on fresh legs in the quest for more goals. Cameroon respond by tightening up defensively, slowing the tempo whenever possible.
🕖 20:37 GMT: GOAL MOROCCO
Cameroon 0, Morocco 2. Ismael Saibari extends Morocco's lead with a left-footed shot from the centre of the box following a set piece situation.
🕗 20:30 GMT
Tension rising inside the stadium. A reminder that Cameroon have never lost to Morocco at AFCON, and the Indomitable Lions look increasingly jittery as the clock ticks.
🕗 20:20 GMT
The match opens up. End-to-end exchanges now, with Morocco committing more bodies forward and Cameroon growing bolder in transition.
🕗 20:10 GMT
Morocco push numbers forward, trying to stretch the Cameroonian back line. Cameroon remain patient, waiting for the right moment to break.
🔁 SECOND HALF
🕗 20:09 GMT
The second half kicks off. Morocco look to increase the tempo, while Cameroon maintain their compact shape, clearly comfortable absorbing pressure.
🕖 19:54 GMT – HALF-TIME
Half-time in Rabat.
Morocco 1–0 Cameroon
A cagey first half ends with the Atlas Lions leading. Morocco have seen more of the ball, but Cameroon have matched them with discipline, intensity and dangerous moments on the counter. Everything remains finely balanced.
🕖 19:40 GMT
Cameroon begin to grow into the game, pressing higher and forcing Morocco into a couple of rushed passes. The atmosphere inside the stadium is electric, every challenge greeted with noise.
🕖 19:30 GMT
The midfield battle intensifies. Morocco continue to probe, but Cameroon’s organisation and physical presence are disrupting the flow. A tense, tactical opening half-hour.
🕖 19:26 GMT: GOAL MOROCCO
Cameroon 0, Morocco 1. Brahim Díaz (Morocco) right footed shot from very close range to the bottom left corner. Assisted by Ayoub El Kaabi following a corner.
🕖 19:20 GMT
First real moment of danger. Morocco work the ball wide and deliver into the box, but Cameroon’s defence stands firm. The Indomitable Lions respond with a quick transition, reminding the hosts of their threat.
🕖 19:10 GMT
Early dominance from Morocco in terms of the ball, with patient circulation across midfield. Cameroon are disciplined, allowing possession but closing spaces quickly and looking to spring forward on the break.
🕖 19:00 GMT – KICK-OFF
We are underway in Rabat! Morocco get the match started, immediately settling into their familiar possession-based rhythm as Cameroon drop into a compact shape.
🕠 18:50 GMT
Both teams are out warming up. Morocco look calm and methodical in their drills, while Cameroon appear relaxed and energetic, embracing their underdog status. Coaches Walid Regragui and David Pagou exchange brief words on the touchline.
🕟 18:40 GMT
The Moroccan supporters are already in full voice, filling the stands with red and green. This is more than a football match for the hosts — it is about confirmation of status after their historic World Cup run and a chance to reach another AFCON semi-final on home soil.
🕡 18:30 GMT – Live blog begins
Welcome back to Rabat as the final quarter-final of the day approaches. Anticipation is building around the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, where Morocco host five-time champions Cameroon in a heavyweight clash between legacy and the present.
🔴 LIVE BLOG – MOROCCO vs CAMEROON
Quarter-final | Kick-off 19:00 GMT | Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, Rabat
1800 GMT 🏁 FULL-TIME – SENEGAL BOOK SEMI-FINAL PLACE
Full-time in Tangier: Senegal 1–0 Mali
Senegal have secured their place in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 after edging past Mali 1–0 in a tense West African derby. The decisive moment came in the first half, when Iliman Ndiaye struck clinically to give the Lions of Teranga a lead they would protect with composure and authority.
Mali pushed hard for an equaliser after the break, showing the same resilience that had carried them through earlier rounds, but Senegal’s defensive organisation and game management proved decisive. The reigning champions controlled key moments, limited Mali’s chances and saw out the contest professionally.
It is another statement of Senegal’s consistency and mental strength in knockout football, as they continue their unbeaten run and move one step closer to defending their continental crown. Mali’s journey ends in Tangier, but their competitiveness and courage once again underlined their status as one of Africa’s toughest opponents.
Senegal now march on to the semi-finals, where the stakes rise even higher and the dream of another AFCON title remains firmly alive.
17:50 GMT
Nervous moments in the Mali penalty area, but they survive again. The clock is ticking towards full time and Senegal look confident.
17:40 GMT
Senegal pushing harder, Mali holding firm. The Eagles look dangerous on the counter whenever they break forward.
17:30 GMT
End-to-end moments now as spaces begin to appear. Both teams sense an opportunity.
17:20 GMT
Sustained pressure from Senegal, but Mali defend deep and remain disciplined, blocking shots and clearing their lines.
⏸️ SECOND-HALF UNDERWAY
17:09 GMT
Mali 0–1 Senegal. A Mali get the second-half underway with a mission to restore parity and win the game while Senegal want to maintain and extend the lead.
⏸️ HALF-TIME
16:54 GMT – HALF-TIME
Half-time in Tangier: Senegal 1–0 Mali. A tense and tactical first half with limited chances and plenty of physical duels. Everything still to play for despite Senegal leading.
16:45 GMT - RED CARD TO MALI
Tempers flare briefly after a heavy challenge by Mali captain Yves Bissouma. The referee intervenes quickly and second yellow card goes to Bissouma and he is sent for a bad foul.
16:40 GMT (45’)
We are heading towards the half-time break. Both sides push forward cautiously, wary of conceding before the break.
16:30 GMT
Another real opening of the match falls to Senegal, but Mali’s goalkeeper reacts sharply to keep the scores at 1-0.
16:27 GMT GOAL Senegal
Mali 0, Senegal 1. Iliman Ndiaye puts Senegal in the lead with a right-foted shot from very close range to the centre of the goal to open the scoring in the first quarter-final match of AFCON 2025.
16:20 GMT (20’)
Mali grow into the game, disrupting Senegal’s rhythm with physical midfield play. Few clear chances so far, but intensity is high.
16:10 GMT (10’)
A cautious opening. Senegal dominate possession early, while Mali remain organised, pressing selectively and closing passing lanes.
⚽ KICK-OFF & FIRST HALF
16:00 GMT – KICK-OFF
The match is underway! Senegal get us started as Mali settle into a compact defensive shape.
15:50 GMT
Final preparations before kick-off. National anthems are moments away. Everything is set for a fierce derby in Tangier.
15:40 GMT
Coaches Pape Thiaw and Tom Saintfiet are watching closely from the touchline. Tactical discipline and emotional control will be crucial in what promises to be a tight contest.
15:30 GMT
Warm-ups are underway. Senegal’s players look relaxed but focused, while Mali appear calm and business-like — a team that knows how to suffer and survive. The line ups are out
𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘-𝗨𝗣𝗦 📋
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 9, 2026
Mali and Senegal name their starting XIs. 🇲🇱🇸🇳#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/Fy0K1PbmMX
15:20 GMT
The pitch is in excellent condition and the atmosphere is building steadily. Supporters from both nations are already filling the stands, creating a colourful and noisy backdrop.
15:10 GMT
Both teams have arrived at the Grand Stade de Tanger. Senegal come in unbeaten and confident, while Mali are buoyed by belief after surviving a dramatic Round of 16 encounter against Tunisia.
15:00 GMT
We are one hour away from kick-off. Final instructions being delivered for both teams who have already arrvied in the stadium. Everything is ready in Tangier.
⏰ PRE-MATCH BUILD-UP
15:00 GMT
Welcome to Tangier for this highly anticipated West African quarter-final between Senegal and Mali. A place in the semi-finals is at stake as two familiar rivals renew acquaintances under the Moroccan lights.
14:50 GMT
Focused faces, no smiles — the tension is unmistakable. Quarter-final football at AFCON leaves no margin for error.
14:40 GMT
Fans from both nations are in full voice. Senegalese drums echo around the stadium, while Mali supporters respond with chants of belief. This feels like a knockout classic in the making.
14:30 GMT
Team news filtering through: Senegal expected to stick with their trusted core, while Mali’s resilience and compact shape will again be key. A tactical battle is anticipated.
14:20 GMT
Warm-ups will begin shortly. Senegal arrive unbeaten in the tournament and full of confidence, while Mali carry belief after their dramatic Round of 16 penalty shoot-out victory despite playing with ten men.
14:10 GMT
Both teams are beginning to arrive at the Grand Stade de Tanger. Security is tight, the stands are already filling up, and the atmosphere is building nicely under clear skies.
14:00 GMT
The live blog is up and running in Tangier. The stage is set for a fiery West African derby as Senegal and Mali prepare for a high-stakes quarter-final clash with a place in the semi-finals on the line.
🟢 LIVE BLOG – SENEGAL vs MALI (Quarter-final)
📍 Tangier | 🕓 Kick-off: 16:00 GMT
⏱️ All times GMT
Good afternoon and welcome to our live blog coverage of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, as the tournament reaches the decisive quarter-final stage today, Friday 9 January 2026.
After a thrilling group phase that delivered late drama, surprise qualifiers, heavyweight exits and unforgettable atmospheres across Morocco, the competition has now entered its most unforgiving territory — where one mistake can end a nation’s dream.
Eight teams survived the group stage and Round of 16 battles, proving consistency, resilience and tactical maturity under pressure.
Today’s action features two blockbuster quarter-final clashes, beginning with a fierce West African derby between Senegal and Mali in Tangier at 16:00 GMT, followed by a heavyweight evening encounter at 19:00 GMT as Cameroon face tournament hosts Morocco in Rabat.
As always, we’ll guide you through the day in live blog format, bringing you real-time updates, key moments, tactical insights and the pulse of the stadiums as events unfold.
All timings are in GMT, and updates will follow every ten minutes once the action begins. Settle in, stay with us, and experience another defining day on the road to African football glory.