The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has reached its most critical juncture, transitioning from a group stage marathon to a series of intense knockout sprints. Originally featuring 24 nations, only 16 remain to compete for continental glory in Morocco, promising a tournament filled with drama, tactical battles, and the emergence of new footballing icons.

Beyond the prestige of the championship, the 2025 edition offers unprecedented financial rewards. Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe announced a record-breaking US$10 million (R167 million) prize for the winners, a significant increase from the $7 million (R117 million) won by Ivory Coast in 2024. Teams reaching the Round of 16 are already guaranteed at least $800,000 (R13.2 million), providing a substantial boost for domestic football development, especially for debutants or smaller nations.

Nigeria, a perennial heavyweight, views itself as a strong contender. According to striker Victor Osimhen, Nigeria is among the tournament favorites and one of the most feared teams. Osimhen expressed immense confidence, stating, “We can trample on any team because this team has got the quality to do damage to any big team, any good team in this tournament.” He emphasized the team's collective desire to bring the trophy back to Nigeria, a sentiment shared by his teammates, highlighting their readiness for the tougher challenges of the knockout stages while respecting every opponent but fearing none.

The Round of 16 fixtures are set to deliver thrilling encounters:

Saturday, 3 January:

• Senegal vs. Sudan (Ibn Batouta Stadium, Tangier): The Teranga Lions, heavy favorites after topping Group D, face Sudan, who remarkably reached this stage without an open-play goal, relying on an own goal and defensive resilience. Despite captain Kalidou Koulibaly's suspension, Senegal’s attacking prowess is expected to overcome the 117th-ranked Sudanese side.
• Mali vs. Tunisia (Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca): Mali advanced with three draws, while Tunisia finished second in Group C. Historically, Tunisia holds a slight head-to-head advantage (7 wins to 5), and their experience in navigating cagey knockout matches in North African conditions often proves decisive.

Sunday, 4 January:

• Morocco vs. Tanzania (Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat): The host nation, Morocco, is under pressure following an unconvincing group stage. Tanzania makes its first knockout appearance in 45 years. With the home crowd and the return of Achraf Hakimi, the Atlas Lions, who have dominated this fixture with seven wins in eight previous meetings, are favored.
• South Africa vs. Cameroon (Al Barid Stadium, Rabat): This is arguably the tie of the round. Hugo Broos, who led Cameroon to the 2017 title, now coaches South Africa. Cameroon went unbeaten in Group F, while Bafana Bafana secured progress with a late win over Zimbabwe. Despite Cameroon being a five-time champion, South Africa holds a superior head-to-head record in their last ten meetings (three wins, one loss, five draws). Cameroon coach David Pagou has noted Bafana Bafana’s domestic-based Betway Premiership core makes them a stubborn unit. This clash is particularly rich in historical context, as Cameroon was the first team Bafana Bafana faced after South Africa’s readmission to international football in 1992.

Historical Overview of Bafana Bafana vs. Cameroon:

• South Africa 1-0 Cameroon (07/07/92 – Friendly, Durban): Marked South Africa’s return to international football, with Doctor Khumalo scoring an 82nd-minute penalty for their first victory.
• South Africa 1-2 Cameroon (09/07/92 – Friendly, Cape Town): Cameroon bounced back with two goals from Jacob Ewane, despite an early own goal by Jules Onana.
• South Africa 2-2 Cameroon (11/07/92 – Friendly, Johannesburg): A thrilling draw with Phil Masinga and Bennett Masinga scoring for South Africa, and Ewane again for Cameroon.
• South Africa 1-1 Cameroon (03/12/94 – Four Nations Cup, Johannesburg): Edward Motale equalized for Bafana after Emmanuel Maboang’s opener.
• South Africa 3-0 Cameroon (13/01/96 – AFCON, Johannesburg): An iconic victory for South Africa in the opening game of the tournament they eventually won, with goals from Phil Masinga, Mark Williams, and John Moshoeu.
• South Africa 3-2 Cameroon (19/11/08 – Friendly, Rustenburg): Teko Modise scored twice, and Bernard Parker netted the winner for South Africa.
• South Africa 1-1 Cameroon (10/01/15 – Friendly, Libreville): Sibusiso Vilakazi equalized Vincent Aboubakar’s opener.
• Cameroon 2-2 South Africa (26/03/16 – AFCON Qualifier, Limbe): South Africa twice took the lead through Tokelo Rantie and Hlompho Kekana, but Cameroon equalized both times.
• South Africa 0-0 Cameroon (29/03/16 – AFCON Qualifier, Durban): A goalless draw, notable for then-Cameroon coach Hugo Broos’s defensive setup.

Bafana Bafana holds a solid historical record against Cameroon, with three wins and five draws in nine meetings, having only lost once competitively in 1992. The Round of 16 clash promises to be another memorable chapter in this rivalry, especially with Hugo Broos now coaching South Africa against his former team.

Monday, 5 January:

• Egypt vs. Benin (Adrar Stadium, Agadir): Egypt topped Group B unbeaten, even resting stars like Mohamed Salah. Benin secured its first-ever AFCON win to reach this stage. The Pharaohs, aiming to end a title drought since 2010, have never lost to Benin.
• Nigeria vs. Mozambique (Fez Stadium, Fez): Nigeria boasts the tournament’s most prolific attack with eight goals. Mozambique is making its first-ever knockout appearance. With Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman in peak form, the Super Eagles' offensive depth is expected to overwhelm the Mambas.

Tuesday, 6 January:

• Algeria vs. DR Congo (Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat): Algeria had a perfect group stage, a strong reversal from recent failures, and looks like a title favorite again, with Riyad Mahrez and Ibrahim Maza in excellent form. They are unbeaten in their last six games against DR Congo, who remain unbeaten in Morocco.
• Côte d’Ivoire vs. Burkina Faso (Marrakesh Stadium, Marrakesh): The defending champions face the 'Champions’ Curse,' as no winner since 2010 has progressed beyond the Round of 16 in the subsequent tournament. However, Manchester United winger Amad Diallo’s electric form and their comeback mentality in Group F suggest they might possess the resilience to break this curse against their West African rivals.

Eight Players to Watch in the Knockouts:

• Achraf Hakimi (Morocco): The heartbeat of the host nation, his return provides crucial crossing and set-piece danger.
• Mohamed Salah (Egypt): Fresh after being rested, his composure in knockout football is Egypt’s ultimate weapon.
• Victor Osimhen (Nigeria): Thrives under knockout pressure; his aerial dominance will be a stern test for Mozambique.
• Riyad Mahrez (Algeria): In vintage form with three goals and two assists, he serves as Algeria’s creative hub.
• Lyle Foster (South Africa): The Burnley forward is Bafana Bafana’s focal point; his ability to hold up play against physical defenders will be crucial.
• Amad Diallo (Côte d’Ivoire): The Manchester United winger, with two Man-of-the-Match awards, brings pace and trickery to the Elephants’ title defense.
• Brahim Diaz (Morocco): A Golden Boot contender with three strikes, his vision and chemistry with Hakimi make Morocco’s right flank highly dangerous.
• Sadio Mané (Senegal): The veteran remains the heartbeat of the Teranga Lions; his big-game experience is Senegal’s safety net.