The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has reached its most unforgiving phase. From an original field of 24, only 16 nations remain to vie for continental glory in Morocco. As the group stage dust settles, the tournament shifts from a marathon to a series of high-octane sprints.
With heavyweights like Egypt and Nigeria looking dominant and dark horses like Sudan and Mozambique making historic runs, the knockout stage promises drama, tactical warfare and the emergence of icons. Beyond the prestige of the trophy, the 2025 edition carries unprecedented financial rewards. Prior to the start of Africa’s showpiece, Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe announced a record-breaking US$10 million (R167 million) prize for the tournament winners, a big jump from the $7 million (R117million) champions Ivory Coast took home in 2024.
For the teams currently preparing for the Round of 16, the financial floor is already lucrative. Every team that reached this stage is guaranteed at least $800 000 (R13.2 million) should they be eliminated this weekend. This ensures that even for debutants or smaller nations, a deep run into the tournament provides a massive boost to their domestic football development.
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Senegal vs. Sudan (Ibn Batouta Stadium, Tangier): The Teranga Lions enter as heavy favourites after topping Group D. Sudan, remarkably, reached this stage without scoring a goal from open play, relying on an own goal and defensive grit.
Despite the suspension of captain Kalidou Koulibaly, Senegal’s depth and attacking firepower should be too much for a 117th-ranked Sudan side that is already celebrating a historic achievement amid turmoil at home. Tunisia (Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca): Mali advanced with three draws, while Tunisia finished second in Group C. Historically, the Carthage Eagles hold a narrow head-to-head edge (7 wins to 5) over Mali’s Les Aigles.
Their experience in navigating cagey knockout matches often gives them the upper hand in North African conditions. Morocco vs. Tanzania (Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat): The hosts are under immense pressure after an unconvincing group stage.
Tanzania is in the knockouts for the first time in 45 years. With the home crowd behind them and the return of Achraf Hakimi, the Atlas Lions have historically dominated this fixture, winning seven of eight previous meetings. South Africa vs.
Cameroon (Al Barid Stadium, Rabat): This is the tie of the round. Hugo Broos faces the nation he led to the 2017 title. Cameroon went unbeaten in Group F, while Bafana Bafana secured progress with a late win over Zimbabwe.
While Cameroon is a five-time champion, South Africa holds a superior head-to-head record in their last ten meetings (three wins to one, with five draws). Cameroon coach David Pagou has already noted that Bafana Bafana’s domestic-based Betway Premiership core makes them a stubborn, compatible unit. Benin (Adrar Stadium, Agadir): Egypt topped Group B unbeaten, even while resting stars like Mohamed Salah.
Benin secured their first-ever AFCON win to get here. The Pharaohs have never lost to Benin and are on a mission to end a title drought dating back to 2010.
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