AGADIR, Morocco – The knockout phase of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 is gathering pace, with the Round of 16 now under way and the first quarter-final places already decided.
As Africa’s biggest football tournament moves into its most decisive stage, early results have underlined both the quality of the favourites and the fine margins that continue to define AFCON football.
The Round of 16 marks the start of straight knockout competition, where one result can reshape a nation’s tournament.
After an unpredictable group stage that opened the door for several contenders, the last-16 ties are now determining who remains on course for continental glory and who sees their journey come to an abrupt end.
So far, four teams have secured their places in the quarter-finals, each doing so in contrasting fashion but with the same objective achieved: staying alive in the title race.
Senegal was the first nation to book a quarter-final spot on Saturday. The former African champions extended their impressive unbeaten run at the tournament by overcoming Sudan, confirming their status as one of the most consistent sides on the continent.
Later in the day, Mali secured their place in the quarter-finals when they defeated Tunisia on penalties despite playing large parts of the game with ten men
Tournament hosts Morocco followed on Sunday, edging past Tanzania with a narrow but controlled 1–0 victory in Rabat. In front of a passionate home crowd, the Atlas Lions showed patience and maturity, with Brahim Díaz providing the decisive moment.
The win not only kept Morocco’s title hopes alive but also reinforced their growing belief that this could finally be their year, 50 years after their last AFCON triumph.
Cameroon then joined the list of quarter-finalists later in the day after a dramatic 2–1 win over South Africa.
The Indomitable Lions, five-time African champions, once again showcased their pedigree in knockout football, finding a way through in a fiercely contested encounter.
Their reward is a mouth-watering quarter-final clash against hosts Morocco, a fixture that promises intensity, history and continental heavyweight status.
Elsewhere, several Round of 16 matches are still to be played on Monday Egypt defeated Benin 3-1 after extra-time with Mohammed Salah scoring with the last kick of the game.
Nigeria also secured their place in the quarter-finals on Monday night after hammering Mozambique 4-0 with Victor Osimhen scoring a brace to help the Super Eagles to advance.
Matches will be played on Tuesday, with major names waiting to confirm their passage.
Algeria meet DR Congo, and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire are up against Burkina Faso.
The outcomes of these ties will complete the quarter-final line-up and further shape the route to the final.
The quarter-finals of AFCON 2025 will be played on Friday January 9 and Saturday January 10, with the competition building towards the final on January 18 at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.
