AFCON 2025 Round of 16: Full Fixtures, Kickoff Times, Venues and Match Previews

AFCON 2025 Round of 16: Full Fixtures, Kickoff Times, Venues and Match Previews

The Africa Cup of Nations has entered its decisive phase. With the group stage concluded, attention now turns to the round of 16, where continental heavyweights and emerging challengers collide across Morocco from January 3 to January 6.

After weeks of tension, discipline, and fine margins, the tournament now shifts into a win-or-go-home format. Below is a complete preview of all eight last-16 fixtures, including form, context, and key storylines.

Senegal vs Sudan

Date: January 3
Time: 5pm local / 16:00 GMT
Venue: Ibn Batouta Stadium, Tangier

Tournament favourites Senegal begin their knockout campaign against Sudan, the lowest-ranked side still in contention. The Teranga Lions topped Group D with seven points, edging DR Congo on goal difference after two wins and a draw.

Armed with attacking stars such as Sadio Mané and Nicolas Jackson, the 2022 champions look well placed to progress, although they will be without captain Kalidou Koulibaly following his red card in the final group match.

Sudan, ranked 117th in the world, reached the knockout stage as one of the four best third-placed teams, courtesy of a vital win over Equatorial Guinea in Group E. That victory was only their second in AFCON history since winning the title in 1970. Their progress is particularly significant given the ongoing conflict in Sudan, where civil war has raged since April 2023.

Mali vs Tunisia

Date: January 3
Time: 8pm local / 19:00 GMT
Venue: Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca

Two familiar AFCON opponents meet again as Mali face Tunisia in what promises to be a tightly contested affair. Mali progressed from Group A with three draws, while Tunisia advanced from Group C with four points, recording one win and one draw.

Historically, Tunisia hold a narrow advantage in the head-to-head record, with seven wins to Mali’s five across 15 meetings, while three games ended level. Their most recent encounter came at AFCON 2024, finishing 1–1.

Mali, runners-up in 1972, will be without Amadou Haidara, who was sent off late in their final group match.

Morocco vs Tanzania

Date: January 4
Time: 5pm local / 16:00 GMT
Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat

Hosts Morocco, Africa’s highest-ranked team (11th in the world), face Tanzania, who have reached the AFCON knockout stage for the first time in 45 years. Tanzania advanced with just two points from Group C, qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams on goals scored.

Morocco topped Group A with seven points but faced early criticism after unconvincing performances against Comoros and Mali. A dominant 3–0 win over Zambia restored confidence, with coach Walid Regragui reiterating his ambition to deliver Morocco’s second AFCON title—50 years after their first.

Captain Achraf Hakimi, who missed the opening two matches through injury, returned from the bench in the final group game.

South Africa vs Cameroon

Date: January 4
Time: 8pm local / 19:00 GMT
Venue: Al Barid Stadium, Rabat

South Africa secured second place in Group B after a dramatic 5–3 win over Zimbabwe, sealed by Oswin Appollis’ late penalty. Bafana Bafana now face five-time champions Cameroon, who progressed unbeaten from Group F with two wins.

Despite finishing third at AFCON 2023 and qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, South Africa are yet to fully convince in Morocco. Cameroon, meanwhile, have been efficient if unspectacular.

This will be the 10th meeting between the two nations. Five previous encounters ended in draws, with South Africa winning three times and Cameroon once.

Egypt vs Benin

Date: January 5
Time: 5pm local / 16:00 GMT
Venue: Adrar Stadium, Agadir

Egypt cruised through Group B unbeaten, finishing top with seven points. Even with key players such as Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush rested, the Pharaohs maintained control, closing the group stage with a goalless draw against Angola.

The seven-time champions are chasing their first AFCON title since 2010 and appear increasingly confident of ending that drought.

Benin reached the last 16 thanks to a solitary but historic 1–0 win over Botswana in Group D—their first-ever victory at the AFCON finals after 16 attempts. Having previously reached the quarterfinals in 2019, Benin will hope to defy the odds again.

Nigeria vs Mozambique

Date: January 5
Time: 8pm local / 19:00 GMT
Venue: Fez Stadium, Fez

Nigeria were the standout performers of the group stage, becoming the first team to qualify for the knockouts and the only side, alongside Algeria, to record three wins from three matches.

Boasting the tournament’s most prolific attack with eight goals, the Super Eagles have moved swiftly beyond the disappointment of missing the World Cup. Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and Raphael Onyedika headline a squad in formidable form.

Mozambique, appearing in their first-ever AFCON knockout match, qualified as a best third-placed team from Group F. Their thrilling 3–2 win over Gabon ended a 40-year wait for an AFCON victory and secured progression. However, they have never beaten Nigeria, losing four times and drawing once in previous meetings.

Algeria vs DR Congo

Date: January 6
Time: 5pm local / 16:00 GMT
Venue: Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat

Algeria matched Nigeria’s perfect group-stage record, topping Group E with three wins. Riyad Mahrez and Ibrahim Maza have been central to their attacking efficiency, underlining Algeria’s status as serious title contenders.

They now face DR Congo, who finished second in Group D with two wins and a draw. Organised and defensively disciplined, DR Congo present one of the sternest tests of the round.

Algeria, however, remain unbeaten in six previous meetings with DR Congo (two wins, four draws). This will be their first encounter in seven years.

Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso

Date: January 6
Time: 8pm local / 19:00 GMT
Venue: Marrakesh Stadium, Marrakesh

Defending champions Ivory Coast rounded off the round-of-16 fixtures after finishing top of Group F with seven points, edging Cameroon on goals scored. Amad Diallo has been one of their standout players, scoring twice in the group stage.

They face Burkina Faso, runners-up in Group E, who progressed with two wins and one defeat. The West African neighbours have met 20 times, with Ivory Coast holding the advantage: nine wins to Burkina Faso’s three, with eight draws.

As AFCON 2025 moves into its knockout rounds, margins narrow, pressure intensifies, and reputations are tested. From title favourites to debutants, the race for continental glory truly begins now.