AFCON Round of 16 Preview
The knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations begins this weekend, with 16 teams left in the race for continental glory in Morocco. From established heavyweights to historic debutants, the Round of 16 promises high stakes and compelling narratives across four days of action.
Several Ligue 1 McDonald's and former Ligue 1 stars remain firmly in contention, including Achraf Hakimi, Victor Osimhen, Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, Nicolas Jackson, and Sadio Mané, while others will now return to their clubs after early elimination.
Below is a full guide to the Round of 16, including fixtures, venues, key talking points, and broadcast information.
Senegal vs Sudan
Defending champions Senegal begin the knockout phase against a Sudan side enjoying a historic run. The Teranga Lions topped Group D on goal difference and will lean on the attacking quality of Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson, though they are without suspended captain Kalidou Koulibaly. Ligue 1 talents Cheikh Sabaly and Habib Diallo will be featuring for Senegal.
Sudan reached the Round of 16 for the first time since 2012, progressing as one of the best third-placed teams despite scoring only once — via an own goal. Senegal have won four of seven previous meetings.
Mali vs Tunisia
Two sides who advanced without fully convincing group-stage performances meet in Casablanca. Mali drew all three matches in Group A, while Tunisia finished second in Group C. Tunisia hold a slight historical edge, with seven wins to Mali’s five from 15 encounters.
Mali will be without Amadou Haidara, suspended after his red card in the final group game.
Morocco vs Tanzania
Hosts Morocco are under pressure to deliver a statement performance.
After an uneven group stage, Walid Regragui’s side regained confidence with a 3–0 win over Zambia, which also marked the return of captain Achraf Hakimi from injury.
Tanzania have reached the knockout stage for the first time in 45 years. Morocco have dominated the head-to-head, winning seven of eight meetings.
South Africa vs Cameroon
South Africa face a major test against five-time champions Cameroon. The Bafana Bafana qualified as Group B runners-up and have relied heavily on Lyle Foster and Oswin Appollis, who have scored four of their five goals.
Cameroon remain unbeaten and continue to show their trademark resilience, with Bryan Mbeumo among their standout performers. Five of the previous nine meetings between the sides have ended in draws. Arthur Avom could be involved in midfield for the Indombitible Lions.
Egypt vs Benin
Seven-time champions Egypt remain unbeaten and among the tournament favourites. Despite rotating their squad in the final group match, the Pharaohs still topped Group B with seven points and now they will face a Benin side featuring Lorient striker Aiyegun Tosin.
Benin qualified thanks to a narrow win over Botswana and are appearing in the Round of 16 for the first time since 2019. Egypt have never lost to Benin in four previous meetings.
Nigeria vs Mozambique
Nigeria enter the knockout stage with the tournament’s most prolific attack.
The Super Eagles won all three Group C matches, with Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze leading an explosive frontline alonside Paris FC ace Moses Simon.
Mozambique are in uncharted territory, appearing in an AFCON knockout match for the first time after defeating Gabon. Nigeria have won four of five previous encounters.
Algeria vs DR Congo
One of the standout ties of the Round of 16.
Algeria were flawless in the group stage, powered by Riyad Mahrez and rising talent Ibrahim Maza, while DR Congo finished second in Group D with an unbeaten record thanks to some sturdy defending from Lille's Chancel Mbemba. Les Dogues' Ngal'ayel Mukau and Le Havre's Lionel Mpasi will also feature.
Algeria remain unbeaten in six meetings with DR Congo, though both sides are aware that Nigeria potentially awaits in the quarter-finals.
Côte d’Ivoire vs Burkina Faso
Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire look to avoid the “champions’ curse.”
No AFCON title holder since 2010 has progressed beyond the following Round of 16. The Elephants topped Group F, with Amad Diallo scoring twice. Jean-Phillipe Krasso and Seko Fofana are set to feature for Les Élephants.
They face a competitive Burkina Faso side who finished second in Group E. Côte d’Ivoire have won nine of the 20 previous meetings between the nations.
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