The often confusing race to qualify as one of the best third placed teams finally concluded on Tuesday night, paving the way for the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 to take centre stage in Morocco.
With Botswana, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon already eliminated before the final group matches, qualification hinged on just two fixtures. Uganda’s slim hopes faded after conceding early against Nigeria and being reduced to ten men, leaving Tanzania and Angola in direct contention for the final knockout spot.
Feisal Salum’s second half equaliser against Tunisia proved decisive, as Tanzania held on for a historic 1–1 draw to edge Angola on goals scored. Only a win for Tunisia would have changed the outcome. The Taifa Stars’ resilience secured their first ever qualification to the AFCON knockout stages and completed the round of 16 lineup.
Following the conclusion of Group F fixtures on Wednesday, the full knockout bracket was confirmed.
Teams Qualified For The Round Of 16
Group A: Morocco, Mali
Group B: Egypt, South Africa
Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Tanzania
Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin
Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Sudan
Group F: Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Mozambique
As the tournament moves into its decisive phase, eight compelling matchups await.
Senegal vs Sudan
When: Saturday, January 3 – 18:00 SAST
Where: Ibn Batouta Stadium, Tangier
Pre tournament favourites Senegal open their knockout campaign against Sudan, the lowest ranked team remaining in the competition. Senegal topped Group D with seven points, showcasing their attacking threat through Sadio Mane and Nicolas Jackson.
However, the 2022 champions will be without captain Kalidou Koulibaly, who was sent off in their final group match. Sudan, ranked 117th in the world, progressed as one of the best third placed teams after a crucial win over Equatorial Guinea, marking only their second victory in AFCON history since lifting the trophy in 1970. Their progression carries added significance amid ongoing conflict at home.
Mali vs Tunisia
When: Saturday, January 3 – 21:00 SAST
Where: Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca
Mali and Tunisia meet in a familiar AFCON contest, with both sides looking to reset after modest group stage campaigns. Mali advanced from Group A with three draws, while Tunisia collected four points in Group C.
Tunisia hold a slight historical edge between the two teams, though recent encounters have been closely contested. Mali will be without midfielder Amadou Haidara following his red card in their final group match.
Morocco vs Tanzania
When: Sunday, January 4 – 18:00 SAST
Where: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
Hosts Morocco face Tanzania in what appears a mismatch on paper. The Atlas Lions topped Group A with seven points and remain Africa’s highest ranked nation, targeting a second continental crown, 50 years after their maiden AFCON triumph.
Tanzania arrive buoyed by a landmark achievement, reaching the knockout stages for the first time in their history. Despite collecting only two points in Group C, their late equaliser against Tunisia proved decisive. Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has returned from injury, bolstering an already formidable squad.
South Africa vs Cameroon
When: Sunday, January 4 – 21:00 SAST
Where: Al Barid Stadium, Rabat
South Africa booked their place in the round of 16 with a dramatic victory over Zimbabwe and now face five time champions Cameroon. Bafana Bafana finished as Group B runners up and are still searching for consistency after placing third at the previous AFCON.
Cameroon progressed unbeaten from Group F and bring experience and physicality into the contest. History suggests a tight affair, with the majority of past meetings between the two sides ending in draws.
Egypt vs Benin
When: Monday, January 5 – 18:00 SAST
Where: Adrar Stadium, Agadir
Egypt topped Group B with an unbeaten record and appear quietly confident as they chase a record extending eighth AFCON title. Even while rotating their squad in the final group match, the Pharaohs maintained their composure and defensive solidity.
Benin progressed courtesy of a historic 1–0 victory over Botswana, their first ever win at the AFCON finals. Facing the tournament’s most successful nation, they will be hoping to defy the odds once again.
Nigeria vs Mozambique
When: Monday, January 5 – 21:00 SAST
Where: Fez Stadium, Fez
Nigeria enter the knockout phase in formidable form after completing the group stage with a perfect record. With eight goals scored, the Super Eagles boast the most potent attack in the tournament so far.
Mozambique, appearing in their first AFCON knockout match, secured progression following a dramatic victory over Gabon. While history strongly favours Nigeria, Mozambique have already surpassed expectations and will look to extend their fairytale run.
Algeria vs DR Congo
When: Tuesday, January 6 – 18:00 SAST
Where: Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat
Algeria cruised through Group E with maximum points, underlining their status as serious title contenders. Led by Riyad Mahrez, the North Africans have shown both efficiency and depth.
DR Congo arrive unbeaten after a disciplined group stage campaign and promise to provide a stern test. While Algeria hold the historical advantage, this fixture shapes up as one of the most evenly matched ties of the round.
Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso
When: Tuesday, January 6 – 21:00 SAST
Where: Marrakesh Stadium, Marrakesh
Defending champions Ivory Coast concluded the group stage at the top of Group F and round off the round of 16 against Burkina Faso. Amad Diallo has been among the standout performers for the Ivorians.
Burkina Faso progressed as Group E runners up and will be eager to upset the holders. With a long and competitive history between the two West African nations, a fiercely contested encounter is expected.
As AFCON moves into the knockout phase, the margins for error vanish. With continental heavyweights and emerging challengers set to collide, the road to African football’s ultimate prize now truly begins.
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