AFCON Round of 16: Mali, Tunisia, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa in Knockout Drama

Casablanca, Morocco – The knockout stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 kicks off this weekend, with eight high-stakes Round of 16 fixtures set to determine the quarter-finalists. From seasoned heavyweights to surprise qualifiers, the stage is set for intense African football drama.

Mali vs Tunisia

Group A runners-up Mali will take on Group C runners-up Tunisia at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca on Saturday, 3 January, with kick-off at 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT). This will mark the 16th overall meeting between the sides, with Tunisia leading the head-to-head record 7 wins to Mali’s 5, along with 3 draws.

However, in AFCON history, Mali remain unbeaten against Tunisia, winning twice and drawing twice across four group-stage encounters (1994, 2019, 2021, 2023). Mali have scored in every AFCON meeting with Tunisia, and notably have opened the scoring in all four matches. Both sides progressed in their most recent meetings, though Tunisia were eliminated at the 2023 edition while Mali advanced as group winners.

Mali enter the match without a win in their last four games at AFCON, including three draws in the current tournament, while Tunisia secured progression from Group C with a win over Uganda, a draw with Tanzania, and a narrow loss to Nigeria. A win for either team would send them into the quarter-finals, where history and momentum could play a decisive role.

Morocco vs Tanzania

Hosts Morocco will face knockout-stage debutants Tanzania at Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah on 4 January, 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT). Morocco dominated their previous AFCON encounter with Tanzania in 2023, winning 3-0 in the group stage, and have prevailed in seven of eight historical meetings across all competitions.

Tanzania, advancing for the first time in their history with just two points from the group stage, will be underdogs against the host nation. Morocco, unbeaten in the group stage and boasting a potent attack led by Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi, will aim to reach the quarter-finals for only the fifth time at this stage.

Senegal vs Sudan

Group D winners Senegal will face Group E third-place finishers Sudan at Grande Stade de Tangier on 3 January, 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT). The sides have never met at AFCON, though Senegal have dominated past encounters overall with four wins and three draws.

Senegal, unbeaten in the tournament’s group stage and scoring seven goals while conceding just one, remain among the favourites. Sudan, making their first-ever Round of 16 appearance, have reached the knockouts for the first time since 2012. Senegal’s strong defensive record and experience in knockout stages make them heavy favourites in Tangier.

South Africa vs Cameroon

Bafana Bafana face Cameroon at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat on 4 January, 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT). Their only previous AFCON clash came in 1996, where South Africa won 3-0 in the opening match en route to their maiden continental title.

South Africa have shown attacking flair in the group stage, winning two of three matches, while Cameroon progressed as Group F winners with consistent performances. Both teams have experienced coaches – Hugo Broos leading Cameroon to AFCON glory in 2017, while South Africa look to build on their strong form under current management.

Other Round of 16 Fixtures

Other notable match-ups include the winners of Group B and Group E, with teams like Nigeria, Egypt, and Algeria also poised to make their mark in the knockout rounds. As the tournament transitions from the group phase to single-elimination matches, every game is expected to be fiercely contested, with extra time and penalty shoot-outs likely to play a role in the drama.

With several historical rivalries renewed and debutants eager to make a mark, the Round of 16 promises high stakes, passionate crowds, and the unpredictable thrills that have come to define African football.