AFCON 2025: Mapping the Road to Rabat from R16
The group-stage of the TotalEnergies AFCON came to a thrilling end on Wednesday, December 31, just like the year 2025 shut its doors. The friendly phase is over. Sixteen nations remain, each tethered to their own historical burdens and newfound dreams.
Sénégal vs. Sudan (16:00 GMT)
Ibn Batouta Stadium
The knockout stage ignites in Tangier at the Ibn Batouta Stadium (16:00 GMT), where the 2021 champions Senegal face the tournament’s most poignant story, Sudan. While Senegal dominated their group, garnering 7 points, Sudan—representing a nation currently enduring severe civil conflict—reached this stage against all odds after a victory over Equatorial Guinea. Historically, Senegal has won three of their four previous meetings, but Sudan’s qualification as a historic force reminds us of their 1970 title-winning pedigree.
Mali Vs. Tunisia (19:00 GMT)
Mohamed V, Casablanca
Later that evening at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca (19:00 GMT), Mali takes on Tunisia in a clash defined by a psychological Malian difficulty. Despite Mali advancing with a string of draws, they hold a staggering AFCON record over Tunisia: the Carthage Eagles have never beaten them in the history of this competition (2 losses, 2 draws). Tunisia enters this match desperate to end a 31-year winless drought against the Eagles of Mali.
Morocco Vs. Tanzania (16:00 GMT)
Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium
The focus shifts to the capital as Morocco hosts Tanzania at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium (16:00 GMT). The Atlas Lions, led by the prolific Brahim Díaz, finished the group stage with 7 points and a goal difference that has the continent on notice. They face a Tanzania side making their knockout debut. While Morocco has won seven of their eight past meetings, Tanzania’s lone victory in 2013 remains a cautionary tale that the hosts cannot afford to ignore.
South Africa Vs. Cameroon (19:00 GMT)
Moulay Abdellah stadium
Nightfall brings one of the most compelling personal narratives of the tournament at the Al Barid Stadium (19:00 GMT). South Africa’s Hugo Broos faces Cameroon, the very team he guided to the AFCON title in 2017. South Africa secured passage after a five-goal thriller against Zimbabwe, while the Indomitable Lions qualified second in group F that saw Côté d’Ivoire finish 1st. Their head-to-head record is perfectly balanced at three wins apiece and three draws, making this a genuine toss-of-a-coin fixture.
Egypt Vs. Benin (16:00 GMT)
Adrar Stadium
Seven-time champions Egypt stay at the Adrar Stadium in Agadir (16:00 GMT) to face a Benin side led by a familiar face, Gernot Rohr. Egypt topped their group with great efficiency, but Rohr—the architect behind several Nigerian successes—has guided Benin to the knockouts for the first time since their 2019 Cinderella run in Egypt. The Pharaohs have never lost to Benin, but Rohr’s tactical intimacy with North African systems makes this a dangerous trap for Mohamed Salah and his teammates.
Nigeria Vs. Mozambique (19:00 GMT)
Fès Sports Complex
In Fez (19:00 GMT), three-time winners Nigeria look to maintain their status as the tournament’s most ruthless side. The Super Eagles were one of two teams to secure a perfect nine-point run in the group stages. They meet Mozambique, a team that has historically struggled against the West African giants, failing to secure a win in five previous attempts. For Nigeria, anything less than a dominant performance would be seen as a failure of their immense firepower.
Algeria Vs. DR Congo (16:00 GMT)
Moulay Hassan Stadium
The Round of 16 concludes with two matches that epitomize the unpredictability of African football. At the Moulay Hassan Stadium (16:00 GMT), Algeria brings their 100% group-stage record to face DR Congo. The 2019 champions have been clinical, but the Leopards of Congo finished second in their group behind Senegal, holding their own against some of the continent’s best. Algeria hasn’t lost a competitive game to DR Congo in nearly forty years, a streak they intend to keep intact.
Côté D’Ivoire Vs. Burkina Faso (19:00 GMT)
Marrakesh Stadium
The final game takes place at the Marrakesh Stadium (19:00 GMT), featuring defending champions Cote d’Ivoire against Burkina Faso. The Ivorians provided the most heart-stopping moment of the groups, coming from two goals down against Gabon to win in stoppage time and top their group. They now face a Burkina Faso side that finished fourth in the 2021 edition and has a reputation for being a tournament team. While Côte d’Ivoire holds 11 wins in their 21-match history, the Stallions have forced a draw in eight of those encounters, proving they are a side that refuses to be intimidated by big names.
