AFCON 2025 has transitioned into the Round of 16, headlined by global stars such as Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen.
The remaining 16 contenders will compete in a series of eight knockout matches over a four-day window.
Winners will progress toward the quarter-finals, keeping their hopes alive for the tournament’s unprecedented $10 million winner’s purse.
Senegal v Sudan
Senegal, the 2022 champions, topped Group D with veteran Sadio Mane leading the charge. Sudan, representing a country ravaged by civil war, reached the second round despite failing to score a goal. Their only win came via an own goal against Equatorial Guinea.
Sudan’s determination will be put to the test against Senegal’s formidable squad, featuring Paris Saint-Germain’s 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye.
Mali v Tunisia
Mali coach Tom Saintfiet warned his team they are not going far if they continue playing like they did in Group A, where they drew three matches.
Tunisia, on the other hand, showed signs of life after being 3-0 down against Nigeria, scoring twice and nearly equalizing.
Morocco v Tanzania
Morocco, led by African Player of the Year Achraf Hakimi, faces Tanzania, who ended a 45-year wait to reach the knockout stage. Morocco’s potent strike force, featuring Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi, will be too much for Tanzania.
Hakimi’s return from injury has boosted Morocco’s title hopes, and they’ll be looking to make it three wins in a row.
South Africa v Cameroon
South Africa and Cameroon, separated by just four places in the world rankings, will face off in a closely contested match. South Africa’s Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster will look to lead the charge, while Cameroon’s 19-year-old Christian Kofane is a player to watch.
Egypt v Benin
Mohamed Salah, struggling to score for Liverpool, has rediscovered his form in Morocco. Egypt’s captain will look to lead his team to victory against Benin, who celebrated their first AFCON win in 25 years by edging Botswana.
Benin’s compact defense will be tested by Egypt’s attacking firepower.
Nigeria v Mozambique
Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s talisman, is a huge aerial threat, and Ademola Lookman has also impressed. Mozambique, who lost 3-0 to Nigeria 16 years ago, will be looking for a tighter contest this time around.
Geny Catamo, Mozambique’s striker, poses a threat to Nigeria’s defense.
Algeria v DR Congo
Two former champions clash in a match of the round, with European coaches Vladimir Petkovic and Sebastien Desabre leading the charge. Algeria, who won all three group matches, will look to Riyad Mahrez’s inspiration to take them to the quarter-finals.
DR Congo will be looking to upset Algeria and make a deep run in the tournament.
Ivory Coast v Burkina Faso
A thrilling West African showdown awaits as defending champions Ivory Coast take on neighbouring Burkina Faso.
The Ivorian attack will be spearheaded by Manchester United’s Amad Diallo, who has been in scintillating form, while the Burkinabé defence relies on the formidable partnership of Edmond Tapsoba and Issoufou Dayo to orchestrate an upset.
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