AFCON Morocco 2025: Round of 16 Fixtures Set as Knockout Drama Approaches
The stage is set for a thrilling knockout phase at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 following an action-packed group stage that once again underlined the depth and quality of African football.
The Round of 16 will be played from Saturday, 3 January to Tuesday, 6 January 2026, with two matches scheduled each day as the remaining teams battle for a place in the quarter-finals. Kick-off times are set for 17h00 local time (16h00 GMT) and 20h00 local time (19h00 GMT).
Senegal Open Knockout Phase, Mali Face Tunisia
The knockout stage kicks off on Saturday at the Grand Stade de Tangier, where 2021 champions Senegal take on Sudan in the opening match. The Teranga Lions will be hoping their tournament experience carries them through against a Sudanese side that has already defied expectations.
Later that evening, Mali square off against Tunisia at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca. Mali continue their search for a maiden AFCON title, while Tunisia will be aiming to rediscover the form that earned them continental glory in 2004.
Hosts Morocco Carry Home Hopes
On Sunday, tournament hosts Morocco face Tanzania at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat. Backed by a passionate home crowd, the Atlas Lions will be under pressure to deliver as they chase a first AFCON crown in 50 years. Morocco topped Group A, while Tanzania progressed as one of the four best third-placed teams from Group C.
Later that day, a mouth-watering clash sees South Africa take on Cameroon at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat. The fixture carries added intrigue as Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos comes up against Cameroon, the side he guided to AFCON glory in 2017.
Egypt, Nigeria Eye Quarter-Final Places
On Monday, record seven-time champions Egypt meet Benin at the Grand Stade de Agadir. The Pharaohs, who last lifted the trophy in 2010, will be eager to end their long continental drought.
That evening, Nigeria face Mozambique at the Complexe Sportif de Fès. The Super Eagles were among the standout teams in the group stage and will be targeting a deeper run after finishing runners-up at the 2023 edition.
Defending Champions Close the Round
The Round of 16 concludes on Tuesday, beginning with Algeria against the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Stade Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan in Rabat. Both sides boast pedigree and firepower, setting the stage for a fiercely contested encounter.
The final match of the round sees defending champions Côte d’Ivoire lock horns with Burkina Faso at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, a fixture that promises intensity and high stakes as the Elephants seek to keep their title defence alive.
What Lies Ahead
The quarter-finals are scheduled for 9–10 January, while the final will be played on 18 January at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.
With heavyweight clashes, historic rivalries and emerging contenders all in the mix, the Round of 16 promises high drama as Africa’s finest continue their quest for continental supremacy in Morocco.