The first Women's AFCON quarterfinals on Friday see one match up, Nigeria v Zambia, that we wish were the final, while the other should be a walk in the park for hosts Morocco.
Amidst sweltering conditions in Morocco, the football hasn't entirely lived up to expectations so far, but the knockout rounds should bring intrigue and drama aplenty, not least with heavyweights Nigeria and Zambia set to collide in the pick of the round in Casablanca.
Nigeria vs Zambia
Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca - Friday, 5pm local (12pm ET)
The headlines: The clash of the tie, and a potential final in the making, these two contested the third-placed playoff at the last Nations Cup in 2022, and both will be desperate to get their hands on the title this time around.
Nigeria are the most successful team in WAFCON history - winning 11 titles - whereas Zambia have emerged as a genuine powerhouse in recent years, qualifying for back-to-back Olympics as well as the 2023 Women's World Cup.
The tournament will be poorer for one of these two departing so early.
How they qualified: Both took seven points from the group, with Nigeria swatting away Tunisia before toiling to a late victory over Botswana and then being held by Algeria in Casablanca.
Zambia started strongly against hosts Morocco in the opener, with the outstanding Barbra Banda firing them ahead inside the first minute, but a Ghizlane Chebbak equaliser in the 87th minute ultimately condemned them - on goal difference - to second place, and a far tougher quarterfinal.
Zambia may well come to regret conceding so late when the hosts were at their mercy.
The history: Nigeria have never before been eliminated at this stage of the competition, which is a stat that may weigh heavy on the Super Falcons if they go behind.
They've had the better of the head to head with Zambia, but past results count for little against this She-polopolo Golden Generation, and it was indeed the Copper Queens who won the bronze-medal match between the pair.
What's looked good? Zambia, offensively, have been the most exciting team on show, with NWSL duo Banda and Racheal Kundananji, ably supported by the likes of Prisca Chilufya, Ireen Lungu and Grace Chanda.
Bandananji, in particular, looked devastating during the opening hour against Morocco, and it'll be fascinating to see how they fare against the Falcons.
The Queens are particularly lethal with their lightning transitions, although they'll likely find the going much tougher against a Nigeria team who are yet to concede a goal.
That solid defensive record for the Falcons led to Ashleigh Plumptre making CAF's Team of the Group Stage, although credit must also go to Galatasaray's Oluwatosin Demehin.
What's not? On paper, Nigeria have attacking quality too, but they've shown precious little - admittedly against unadventurous, conservative sides - since that opening 3-0 victory over Tunisia, and interim head coach Justin Madugu may face increasing criticism for leaving some of the team's potential threats - including Gift Monday and new Bayern Munich forward Edna Imade - at home.
The head coach - overseeing the team in an interim capacity - hardly inspires confidence. "I cannot determine the number of goals that will be scored in the game, but for you to win a match you have to score goals," he told ESPN banally ahead of the fixture. "I hope and expect the Nigeria team will score goals and win the game."
Defensively, Zambia have looked vulnerable, particularly without long-term No. 1 Hazel Nali, although head coach Nora Hauptle will be quick to point out that only one of the four they've conceded has come from open play.
Any other business? Asisat Oshoala, winner of six of the last nine awarded African Footballer of the Year prizes, will come up against Barbra Banda, who defeated her for the gong in 2024.
There's mutual respect between the pair, but while Oshoala's star is arguably on the wane, Banda could feasibly eclipse her rival as the most decorated women's player in African football. Will this be the passing of the torch between two of the finest we've seen?
Ed Dove's Prediction: Heart says Nigeria, head probably, also, says Nigeria...who should have enough nous about them in the final third to trouble an uncertain Zambian defence more than their watertight backline will be hurt by Bandananji. Confidence levels on this prediction: Relatively low.
Morocco vs Mali
Stade Olympique, Rabat - Friday 8pm local (3pm ET)
The headlines: The hosts are favourites, as they aim to go one better than during the last tournament, where they fell short in the final, and will be confident of seeing off Mali in front of a partisan crowd in Rabat.
How they qualified: Morocco topped the Group of Death ahead of Zambia on goal difference, taking seven points, but rode their luck at times against the Copper Queens. For Mali, four points from their opening games was enough to progress, although a 4-0 pummelling by South Africa in their third game has dampened expectations.
The history: These two have never met at the Nations Cup, although it's perhaps worth noting that Morocco haven't lost in their last four WAFCON games against teams from West Africa.
What's looked good? The hosts' skipper Ghizlane Chebbak is striding directly towards retaining the Player of the Tournament award she clinched at the last WAFCON following a series of big displays and clutch contributions. Her four-goal haul so far is already more than she managed during her Golden Boot-winning performance three years ago.
Beyond Chebbak, the team have threatened to be at their vibrant, creative, inventive best, even if they should have put away one or two more of the chances created.
The fierce home atmosphere in Rabat, albeit in a smaller capacity stadium than the Atlas Lionesses packed out during the last tournament, also represents a major advantage.
What's not? Goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi has proved to be a real weak point for Morocco, not least in the opener, where her early clanger gifted the Copper Queens a perfect start. For Mali, the utter collapse against South Africa ought to be a concern, both the result and the Aiglonnes' listless, jaded performance.
Any other business? Morocco have experience of reaching the final and increasingly know how to negotiate knockout fixtures. Add to the mix head coach Jorge Vilda, who oversaw Spain's victorious campaign at the 2023 World Cup, and the hosts have a potent blend as they eye the title.
Ed Dove's Prediction: On paper, the most one-sided quarterfinal, and hard to make a case for Morocco to miss out. Even if Paris Saint-Germain's Agueicha Diarra finds her scoring boots and troubles Er-Rmichi, the hosts ought to have too much... the tournament needs them to progress.