A galaxy of African football stars led by Victor Osimhen, Achraf Hakimi and Mohamed Salah will take centre stage as the Africa Cup of Nations enters the knockout phase on Saturday in Morocco.
Hakimi, the Paris Saint-Germain full-back, was named African Footballer of the Year in November, while Liverpool forward Salah and Galatasaray striker Osimhen finished as runners-up.
Following 36 group matches across six groups, the tournament has been reduced from 24 teams to 16, who will now contest eight last-16 fixtures over four days.
Hakimi, now fully fit, is expected to spearhead tournament favourites Morocco against Tanzania. Salah will captain Egypt in their clash with Benin, while Nigeria, inspired by Osimhen, face Mozambique.
The winners of these ties will advance to the quarter-finals and move a step closer to the tournament’s record first prize of $10 million (€8.5 million).
Senegal v Sudan
Former champions Senegal underlined their credentials by topping Group D, with veteran Sadio Mane and teenage PSG forward Ibrahim Mbaye among the standout performers. Mbaye made two appearances from the bench as Senegal confirmed their status as contenders.
Sudan progressed despite failing to score a goal in the group stage. Their only win, against Equatorial Guinea in Group F, came courtesy of an own goal. The team represents a nation affected by civil conflict since 2023.
Mali v Tunisia
Belgium-born Mali coach Tom Saintfiet expressed concern after his side drew all three Group A matches, even though they managed to hold hosts Morocco.
“If we carry on playing like this, we will not go much further,” he warned.
Tunisia struggled heavily against Nigeria before falling three goals behind, but the Carthage Eagles rallied late, scoring twice and pushing for an equaliser.
Morocco v Tanzania
On paper, Morocco are overwhelming favourites, sitting 101 places above Tanzania in the world rankings. The North Africans last won the title 50 years ago.
Tanzania reached the knockout stage for the first time in 45 years after recording two group-stage draws.
Morocco possess attacking firepower in Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz and Olympiacos striker Ayoub El Kaabi. Both have scored three goals, sharing the tournament’s Golden Boot lead with Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez.
South Africa v Cameroon
South Africa famously marked their AFCON debut 30 years ago with a 3–0 win over Cameroon in Johannesburg.
This reunion is expected to be far more competitive, with the teams separated by just four places in the global rankings. South Africa will rely on Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster for goals, while Cameroon will look to 19-year-old Christian Kofane, who netted a spectacular winner against Mozambique.
Egypt v Benin
Despite a difficult domestic season in front of goal, Salah has rediscovered his scoring touch at the tournament, netting decisive goals against Zimbabwe and South Africa as Egypt topped Group B.
Benin claimed their first AFCON victory 25 years after debuting by narrowly defeating Botswana. Led by experienced striker Steve Mounie, the Cheetahs are disciplined and spirited but lack cutting edge in attack.
Nigeria v Mozambique
Osimhen remains a major aerial threat and created numerous chances against Tanzania and Tunisia in Group C, though he has scored just once so far. Former African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman has also caught the eye for Nigeria.
Mozambique were beaten 3–0 by the Super Eagles in their last AFCON meeting 16 years ago, but this encounter is expected to be more competitive, with striker Geny Catamo posing a danger for the Mambas.
Algeria v DR Congo
This heavyweight contest between two former champions is widely viewed as the tie of the round. It is also the only fixture featuring two European coaches — Bosnia’s Vladimir Petkovic and France’s Sebastien Desabre.
Algeria and Nigeria were the only teams to win all three group matches, with captain Riyad Mahrez playing a key role and scoring three goals.
Ivory Coast v Burkina Faso
The only regional derby in the last 16 sees West African neighbours Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso face off.
Manchester United winger Amad Diallo was the only player to win two man-of-the-match awards in the group stage. He now comes up against a solid Burkinabe d
efence marshalled by Edmond Tapsoba and Issoufou Dayo.
