The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has proven to be a tournament of both unexpected outcomes and enduring historical achievements, as teams navigate the knockout stages and veteran players leave their mark on the record books. The Round of 16 matchups are set to deliver intense competition, with several teams demonstrating remarkable resilience and unique paths to qualification.

One such team is Sudan, who will face 2021 champions Senegal in the Round of 16 at the Stade Ibn Batouta in Tangier. Coached by Ghanaian legend Kwesi Appiah, Sudan has defied expectations by reaching the knockout stage for the first time since 2012. Their qualification, however, was peculiar; they failed to score any goals themselves throughout the group stage, with their only goal being an own goal against Equatorial Guinea, which was enough to secure a crucial win. Sudan began their Group E campaign with a 3-0 defeat to Algeria, followed by the aforementioned 1-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea. They confirmed their spot in the Round of 16 even before their final group game, thanks to favorable results in other groups. Despite a subsequent 2-0 loss to Burkina Faso, which meant they again failed to score, Sudan finished third in Group E and advanced via the best loser rankings, positioning themselves behind Mozambique and Benin. Coach Appiah acknowledges the formidable challenge posed by Senegal, a "big footballing country" with an array of talent, including Sadio Mane, though they will miss captain Kalidou Koulibaly due to suspension. Appiah stated, "We have respect for Senegal... but we are ready. My players will need to prove to me, and to all Sudanese people here and back home, that they deserve to do better than where we are. I think Senegal are the favourites, but I am sure we will give them a very good game." Sudan's qualification mirrors that of Tanzania, who also advanced to the Round of 16 without a single win, drawing with Uganda and Tunisia after a defeat to Nigeria, and are scheduled to play hosts Morocco.

Beyond the drama of qualification, the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 has also celebrated the remarkable longevity of seasoned forwards, proving that age is no barrier on Africa’s biggest stage. Amidst a tournament often highlighted by youthful talent, veteran players have continued to influence matches decisively, with two prominent figures, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Emilio Nsue, etching their names into the AFCON history books as some of the oldest goalscorers. Their strikes, delivered in contrasting scenarios, underscore the enduring value of composure, movement, and game intelligence at the highest level of continental football.

The exclusive list of oldest goalscorers in AFCON history is led by Egypt legend Hossam Hassan, who set the record at 39 years and 5 months during the 2006 tournament with a goal against DR Congo in a 4-1 quarter-final victory. His leadership and longevity were instrumental in Egypt's continental triumph that year, and he now coaches the Egyptian team in the current tournament. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, at 36 years and 6 months, moved into second place on this esteemed list after scoring for Gabon in their dramatic 3-2 defeat to Mozambique during the group stage. His classic poacher's finish showcased his enduring instinct and timing, marking a significant personal achievement despite Gabon not progressing to the knockout stage. Previously, Zambia icon Kalusha Bwalya held the second spot, having scored at 36 years and 5 months during the 2000 AFCON, converting an 87th-minute penalty against Senegal to secure a 2-2 draw. Most recently, Emilio Nsue joined this elite group, finding the net at 36 years and 3 months in Equatorial Guinea’s 3-1 loss to Algeria. While his team's campaign ended with the result, Nsue's goal cemented his place in AFCON history, rewarding a player who has been a consistent presence for his country across multiple tournament cycles. As the knockout stage intensifies, the achievements of these veteran players serve as a powerful reminder that experience remains a valuable currency at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations.