AFCON Quarterfinals Roar: Saudi Stars Stay Put as Africa’s Giants Lock Horns
6 January 2026
AFCON Quarterfinals: Saudi Stars Remain on National Duty
The AFCON quarterfinals are buzzing as Saudi clubs keep their stars away, preserving their international duties until the continental tournament finishes. Top Saudi sides cannot recall players who are with their national squads at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, at least for now.
The Round of 8 wrapped up on Tuesday with Algeria and Ivory Coast advancing to the quarterfinals.
With the quarterfinal lineup set, players from Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli are expected to stay in the competition at least into the next round.
The first quarterfinal on Friday will feature Mamadou Doumbia of Al Ittihad against Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Sadio Mane—tying Mali and Senegal to the Saudi stars in one blockbuster clash.
Later that day, Yassine Bounou will captain Morocco in a tough test versus Cameroon at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
On Saturday, Riyad Mahrez will lead Algeria against Nigeria in Marrakech, a stern challenge for both teams.
Finally, Franck Kessié will command Ivory Coast against Egypt at the Adrar Stadium in Agadir, closing the quarterfinal lineup.
Punchline 1: If timing were a weapon, AFCON’s schedule would qualify as a sniper—dead-on every time.
Punchline 2: The clubs keep stars, fans keep snacks, and football keeps delivering drama.
