AFCON 2025 Enters Knockout Stage with Exciting Matchups

AFCON 2025: Everything You Need to Know About the Round of 16

As the new year unfolds and the group stage is behind us, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) transitions into the knockout phase, with the round of 16 commencing on Saturday. Here’s everything you need to know about the eight matches:

Senegal vs Sudan

When: January 3, 17:00 GMT
Where: Ibn Batouta Stadium, Tangier

Tournament favorites Senegal kick off their knockout campaign against Sudan, the lowest-ranked team remaining in the competition, returning after a 14-year absence. Senegal topped Group D with seven points, securing two victories and one draw, finishing ahead of the Democratic Republic of Congo on goal difference. Despite boasting a strong attacking force, featuring players like Nicolas Jackson and Sadio Mane, they will be without captain Kalidou Koulibaly, who was sent off in their final group match.

Mali vs Tunisia

When: January 3, 20:00 GMT
Where: Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca

This round of 16 match brings together two well-known teams: Mali, who finished second in Group A, and Tunisia, who also secured second place in Group C. Mali progressed with three points from three draws, while Tunisia advanced with four points, thanks to one win and one draw.

Morocco vs Tanzania

When: January 4, 17:00 GMT
Where: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat

Hosts Morocco, Africa's highest-ranked team, face Tanzania, a nation that has been absent from the knockout stage for 45 years. Morocco gathered seven points in the group but faced criticism for their early performances, ultimately concluding the group stage with a convincing victory against Zambia.

South Africa vs Cameroon

When: January 4, 20:00 GMT
Where: Al Barid Stadium, Rabat

South Africa advanced after a dramatic match against Zimbabwe, now preparing to take on five-time champions Cameroon. This will be the tenth encounter between the two teams, and the South Africans hope to find their rhythm in this crucial match.

Egypt vs Benin

When: January 5, 17:00 GMT
Where: Adrar Stadium, Agadir

Egypt completed the group stage undefeated and finished first, while Benin advanced after securing a narrow victory against Botswana, marking their first win in AFCON history.

Nigeria vs Mozambique

When: January 5, 20:00 GMT
Where: Fez Stadium, Fez

Nigeria became the first team to qualify for the knockout stage with a perfect record in the group. They now face Mozambique, which celebrated a historic victory to advance in the tournament.

Algeria vs DR Congo

When: January 6, 17:00 GMT
Where: Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat

Following Nigeria, Algeria is the only other team to have a perfect group stage, but their encounter with DR Congo promises to be a tough test for both competitors.

Côte d'Ivoire vs Burkina Faso

When: January 6, 20:00 GMT
Where: Marrakesh Stadium, Marrakesh

Côte d'Ivoire finished first in Group F, and they will now face Burkina Faso, a team with a rich history in head-to-head matchups.