As 2026 begins, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) enters its highly anticipated Round of 16, presenting a thrilling spectacle of African football. This stage of the tournament features the top teams battling for supremacy, with fixtures confirmed and ready to captivate fans across the continent and beyond. The knockout matches are set to commence on Saturday, January 3rd, and will continue through Tuesday, January 6th, delivering two exciting games each day. Fans can expect high-octane action with kick-off times scheduled for 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT) and 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT), as teams fight for a coveted spot in the quarter-finals.
The journey through the AFCON Round of 16 kicks off with Senegal, the reigning champions from 2021, facing Sudan at the Grand Stade de Tangier. This opening match promises to set a high standard for the rest of the round. Following this, the evening will feature a clash between Mali and Tunisia at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, as both nations aim to advance in their quest for continental glory.
Sunday’s action will see the host nation, Morocco, take on Tanzania at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat. Having secured the top spot in Group A, Morocco will undoubtedly benefit from the fervent support of their home crowd as they pursue a long-awaited AFCON title, their first in fifty years.
Later on Sunday, South Africa is slated to compete against Cameroon. This match carries particular intrigue as South African coach Hugo Broos will face the team he previously led to the AFCON title in 2017, adding a layer of personal narrative to the competitive fixture.
Monday’s fixtures highlight Egypt, the record seven-time champions, playing against Benin at the Grand Stade de Agadir. Egypt is determined to end their drought of AFCON titles, with their last victory dating back to 2010.
On the same evening, Nigeria will go head-to-head with Mozambique at the Complexe Sportif de Fès. The Super Eagles will be looking to surpass their performance from the 2023 edition, where they finished as runners-up.
The Round of 16 will culminate on Tuesday with a compelling matchup between Algeria and DR Congo in Rabat. This will be followed by the defending champions, Cote d’Ivoire, taking on Burkina Faso at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, promising an intense conclusion to this stage.
The quarter-finals are scheduled to take place on January 9th and 10th, leading up to the grand finale on January 18th at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat. Africa’s premier football tournament is poised for a dramatic knockout phase, intensifying the competition for the ultimate prize.
What is the AFCON Round of 16? It is the knockout stage of the Africa Cup of Nations tournament where 16 teams compete in single-elimination matches to advance towards the final. The winners progress, and the losers are eliminated from the competition.
Fans are eager to witness how these matchups unfold, with each game presenting its own unique narrative and potential for upsets. The quality of play demonstrated throughout the group stages suggests that the Round of 16 will deliver exceptional football.
Understanding the AFCON Round of 16 fixtures is key for any football enthusiast looking to follow the tournament’s progression. Each match represents a critical step towards lifting the coveted trophy.
Why is the AFCON Round of 16 important? It signifies the transition from group play to direct elimination, where every goal and every defensive stand carries immense weight. The pressure is on for all remaining teams to perform.
The blend of established powerhouses and emerging contenders ensures that the AFCON Round of 16 offers a diverse and exciting viewing experience. The drama is guaranteed as teams fight for their place in African football history.
How to follow AFCON Round of 16 matches? Fans can stay updated through official sports news outlets, live score websites, and dedicated sports television channels that provide comprehensive coverage of all games, including pre-match analysis and post-match reports.
The excitement surrounding AFCON 2025 is palpable, with the Round of 16 promising to be a defining period of the tournament. The stage is set for unforgettable moments and a true test of champions.
AFCON 2025 Round of 16 Fixtures: Senegal vs Sudan, Mali vs Tunisia, Morocco vs Tanzania, South Africa vs Cameroon, Egypt vs Benin, Nigeria vs Mozambique, Algeria vs DR Congo, Cote d’Ivoire vs Burkina Faso.
The journey to become the kings of African football intensifies significantly during this crucial phase of the competition. Every team has a dream, and this round is where those dreams are either realized or extinguished.
