The quarter final action of the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is now done, and there was a mixture of upsets, records and dominant displays as all four semi-final slots were confirmed at AFCON 2025.
Nigeria flexed their attacking muscle once more as they overpowered Algeria. Mo Salah etched his name deeper into African football history during the AFCON 2025. Egypt hit yet another milestone. These were just among the five standout moments from a dramatic quarter-final stage.
5. Egypt Stun Defending Champions Ivory Coast
The shock of the day came in Agadir as Egypt knocked out defending champions Ivory Coast 3-2 in a pulsating encounter during AFCON 2025.
The seven-time AFCON winners showed their pedigree, scoring three goals against the run of play. Omar Marmoush opened the scoring from a counter attack, before Ramy Rabia headed the ball home from a corner kick. Mohammed Salah would make it three after half time.
The Elephants showed a spirited resistance, reducing the deficit to just one goal. However, they could not find the equalizing touch.
The win for Egypt now means they remain the last nation to have reached the semi-finals whilst defending champions back in 2010. This makes their AFCON 2025 journey particularly special.
Mo Salah's goal against Ivory Coast was historic, The Liverpool forward struck home in the 52nd minute with a clinical finish, making it his first ever goal against Ivory Coast during AFCON 2025.
The goal now means he has netted against 11 different teams in the competition’s history, making him the first ever player to do that. He will be hoping the trend can continue when they take on Senegal in the semi finals.
Nigeria’s quarter final clash with Algeria in Marrakech belonged to Victor Osimhen. He put the Super Eagles into the lead two minutes into the second half.
10 minutes later, he showed his all-rounded prowess, turning provider with a selfless pass to Akor Adams to make it 2-0. It was a good way to make amends for his dramatic incident during their clash against Mozambique in the round of 16.
Nigeria could have scored more goals, but in the end, had to settle for just the 2-0 win.
He was rightly granted the Player of the Match award, as Nigeria delivered one of the most complete performances of the tournament.
2. Nigeria Close In on AFCON Goal Record
Nigeria’s 2-0 win over Algeria pushed them to 14 goals scored so far this tournament. It is just two short of the AFCON record set by Ivory Coast in 2008. With two games to spare in AFCON 2025, Nigeria easily might soar past that high record set.
With attackers like Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Adams and even Samuel Chukuweze, one cannot help but sense that they will inevitably break that record.
The win also marked the Super Eagles’ 17th AFCON semi-final appearance more than any other nation in the tournament’s history. The milestone underlined their consistency and pedigree on the continental stage.
1.Super Eagles Set Historic Semi-Final Mark as Last Four Is Confirmed
The quarter-final results also confirmed two tantalising semi-final matchups, both set for Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Egypt will face Senegal in Tangiers in a heavyweight showdown, while Nigeria take on host nation Morocco in Rabat in what promises to be a fiery, high-stakes encounter at AFCON 2025.
