2025 Africa Cup of Nations: Knockout Stage Preview
As the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) approaches, the tournament has seen the top teams perform dominantly thus far.
Algeria and Nigeria have emerged as the only nations to secure victories in all three of their group matches. Mohamed Salah's contributions helped Egypt advance comfortably with seven points, while Achraf Hakimi made a successful return as hosts Morocco also finished the group stage unbeaten.
However, several teams are poised to create upsets in the round of 16.
With more excitement anticipated, here are some key highlights from the 35th edition of the tournament.
Favorites Maintain Dominance - For Now
Unlike two years ago when Algeria, Tunisia, and Ghana were unable to progress from their group, this time all top 12-ranked teams have advanced with relative ease. Alongside Algeria—whose captain Riyad Mahrez leads the scoring charts with three goals—Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, and Ivory Coast also topped their respective groups.
In a surprising turn, Mozambique made history by securing their first win at an Afcon finals, defeating Gabon to progress to the knockout stage.
In response to Gabon's disappointing performance, the government dismissed the entire coaching staff, suspended the players, and banned forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Sudan, the second-lowest ranked team in the tournament, reached the knockout stage for only the second time since their championship win in 1970, thanks to their victory over Equatorial Guinea, despite having to play all their qualifiers abroad due to the ongoing civil war.
Cheetahs and Taifa Stars Make History
Mozambique is not the only team making its debut in the knockout stage. Tanzania, still seeking their first win since their debut in 1980, will face Morocco in Rabat after advancing with just two points. This marks the first time a third-placed team has qualified with fewer than three points since Afcon expanded to a 24-team format in 2019.
Benin, appearing in their fifth finals, previously reached the knockout stage by famously defeating Morocco on penalties in 2019. This time, the Cheetahs ended a 15-match winless streak in Afcon, earning a matchup against Egypt in Agadir.
Has Salah Found His Scoring Form?
With two goals in the group stage, Egypt's Salah has already matched his best-ever Afcon tally, despite both he and Manchester City's Omar Marmoush being rested for a recent 0-0 draw with Angola. Salah's contributions have been crucial, including a decisive 91st-minute goal against Zimbabwe and a penalty just before halftime in a match against South Africa.
After a challenging start to the season with Liverpool, the four-time Premier League top scorer aims to improve upon his record of two goals and one assist in eight knockout-stage appearances.
How Fit is Hakimi?
Achraf Hakimi made his return as a second-half substitute in Morocco's final group match against Zambia, raising questions about his readiness to start. Coach Walid Regragui acknowledged Hakimi's immense talent but expressed concerns regarding his fitness level following an ankle injury.
Regragui praised Paris Saint-Germain for allowing Hakimi to join the national team early and for their confidence in his medical team. He also commended Noussair Mazraoui from Manchester United and Mohamed Chibi from Pyramids for their performances at right-back. The question remains: can Hakimi make a significant impact on the pitch against Tanzania?
Who Are the Dark Horses?
Having previously defeated Nigeria and Cameroon in the African World Cup play-offs, DR Congo held Afcon 2021 champions Senegal to a 1-1 draw in Group D. They now face Algeria, which poses a significant challenge.
Tunisia's coach Sami Trabelsi is aspiring to replicate his 1996 final run as a player, having avoided the group-stage exit that led to his resignation in 2013. His team has shown inconsistency, easily defeating Uganda but faltering in a dramatic comeback attempt against Nigeria.
New Cameroon coach David Pagou boasts a wealth of attacking options, including Manchester United's Bryan Mbeumo, who assisted the opening goal, and 19-year-old Christian Kofane, who scored a stunning winner against Mozambique.
Mali's coach Tom Saintfiet has cautioned his unbeaten squad that improvements are necessary, yet the Eagles managed to secure a draw against Morocco, aided by Lassine Sinayoko's impressive form, having scored five goals in his last eight Afcon matches.
The Wettest Afcon Ever?
As always, tournament organizers promote expectations of "the best Afcon ever." While it's too early to judge, Morocco 2025 is making a strong case for being the wettest Afcon in history. Players have been seen battling through torrential downpours, a stark contrast to the tropical conditions of previous tournaments.
Although there was a brief respite from the rain, forecasts predict continued downpours during the four days of knockout matches, which will challenge the resolve of fans. Stadiums have not been full for matches not involving the hosts, but the facilities, including the pitches, have performed well under the wet conditions.
While this Afcon may not be a dry run, Morocco's substantial investment in stadium renovations and constructions in preparation for co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal is already yielding positive results.