Achraf Hakimi, Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen headline a loaded Africa Cup of Nations last 16 as the tournament shifts into knockout football from Saturday in Morocco. After 36 group-stage matches across six groups, the competition has been narrowed from 24 teams to 16, setting up eight decisive second-round fixtures spread over four days. Every match now carries the weight of elimination, with nations chasing a place in the quarter-finals and edging closer to the record first prize of $10 million.
Hakimi arrives as one of the tournament’s biggest figures after being crowned 2025 African player of the year in November. The Paris Saint-Germain defender leads tournament hosts Morocco, who are widely viewed as title favourites. Salah and Osimhen finished as runners-up for the individual award, and both carry the hopes of their nations as Egypt and Nigeria prepare for demanding fixtures.
Morocco face Tanzania with Hakimi expected to marshal a side packed with attacking quality. Brahim Diaz of Real Madrid and Olympiacos striker Ayoub El Kaabi have both scored three goals, sharing the Golden Boot lead with Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez. Tanzania, ranked far below their opponents, still arrive with confidence after ending a 45-year wait to reach the knockout rounds thanks to two group-stage draws.
Egypt will rely heavily on Salah, who has rediscovered his scoring touch in southern Morocco after a difficult club run. He struck match winners against Zimbabwe and South Africa to secure top spot in Group B. Benin, meanwhile, are enjoying their first AFCON win 25 years after debuting at the tournament, edging Botswana to progress. Their compact approach and leadership from Steve Mounie will be tested against Egypt’s experience.
Nigeria meet Mozambique with Osimhen once again under the spotlight. The striker was a constant aerial threat in the group stage and could easily have scored more than his single goal. Ademola Lookman has also stood out, giving Nigeria balance and creativity. Mozambique pose a greater challenge than in previous meetings, with Geny Catamo emerging as a key attacking outlet.
Which teams look strongest heading into the last 16?
Senegal continue to justify their status as contenders after winning Group D. Veteran Sadio Mane and teenage Paris Saint-Germain winger Ibrahim Mbaye have provided attacking spark. They face Sudan, who reached the knockout phase despite failing to score in the group stage, benefiting from an own goal in their lone win.
Mali enter with caution after drawing all three Group A matches. Their coach voiced concerns about momentum, saying, “If we carry on playing like this we will not go much further.” Tunisia showed resilience against Morocco and late fight against Nigeria, but inconsistency remains a concern.
South Africa and Cameroon meet in a tightly balanced contest, separated by just four places in the world rankings. South Africa will look to Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster for goals, while Cameroon draw confidence from a decisive strike by 19-year-old Christian Kofane against Mozambique.
Which fixtures could define the quarter-final race?
Algeria versus DR Congo stands out as one of the round’s most compelling ties. Both are former champions and arrive in strong form. Algeria, led by inspirational captain Mahrez, were one of only two teams to win all three group matches. It is also the only fixture featuring two European coaches.
Ivory Coast face neighbours Burkina Faso in the only regional derby of the round. Manchester United winger Amad Diallo impressed in the group stage, while Burkina Faso rely on defensive leaders Edmond Tapsoba and Issoufou Dayo.
By Yockshard Enyendi