AFCON 2025 Round of 16: Exciting Matches Set to Unfold. Casablanca, Morocco — January 1, 2026 The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 is set to enter its knockout phase with the round of 16 commencing on January 3.
The tournament, which is taking place in Morocco, has seen an intense group stage, and fans are now eagerly awaiting the exciting matches ahead.
Senegal Faces Sudan in Opening Match.
The opening match of the round of 16 will feature Senegal, the pre-tournament favorites, against Sudan. Senegal topped Group D with seven points and will be seeking to maintain their momentum against the lowest-ranked side left in the competition.
Sudan, ranked 117th globally, has reached the knockout stages for the first time in 14 years and will be aiming for a significant upset.
Mali vs Tunisia in Classic AFCON Rivalry.
In another intriguing match, Mali will take on Tunisia.
Both teams advanced to the round of 16 with Mali drawing all three group matches and Tunisia securing four points with one win and one draw. This clash between Group A and Group C runners-up promises to be a highly competitive encounter.
Morocco to Host Tanzania in Hosts’Match.
Morocco, ranked 11th in the world, will be hosting Tanzania in the hosts’match. Tanzania qualified for the knockout stages after a 45-year absence, and Morocco, who topped Group A, will be looking to maintain their impressive form.
South Africa to Face Cameroon in Group B Showdown.
South Africa, as Group B runners — up, will face five-time champions Cameroon.
The Bafana Bafana will be hoping to find their rhythm against the unbeaten Cameroon side in this Group B showdown. Egypt vs Benin in Group B Clash.
Egypt, who topped Group B with seven points, will face Benin in a Group B clash.
The Pharaohs, seeking their first AFCON title since 2010, will be up against Benin, who qualified for the last-16 with a single victory. Nigeria to Face Mozambique in Group C Showdown.
Group C winners Nigeria will face Mozambique, who are making their first appearance in the AFCON knockout stage.
The Super Eagles will be aiming to maintain their dominance against the Mambas. Algeria to Face DR Congo in Intriguing Tie.
Algeria, who topped Group E, will face DR Congo in an intriguing tie.
This round — of-16 meeting will pit two in-form sides against each other, with history favoring Algeria. Ivory Coast to Face Burkina Faso in Group F Showdown.
Ivory Coast, who topped Group F, will face Burkina Faso in a Group F showdown.
The West African rivals will be vying for a spot in the quarterfinals.
The AFCON 2025 round of 16 promises to be a thrilling phase of the tournament, with several exciting matches set to unfold.
Fans around the world will be keeping a close eye on these matchups as the competition progresses.
