The Africa Cup of Nations has its last-16 cast. After Tuesday’s final group-stage matches, the field of 16 for AFCON 2025’s knockout rounds is set, even with a couple of dead-rubber fixtures still on the slate. The storylines are rich: the hosts Morocco draw a stubborn Tanzania in a compelling early showdown, Egypt were first to book their spot, and Nigeria cruised through the group stage with the only perfect record so far.

As tournament organizers put it, “All 16 participants for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations knockout stages have been confirmed despite pending matches.” That means fans can start circling dates and debating paths, even as the full schedule and some seed orders await confirmation.

Round of 16 confirmed: Morocco–Tanzania, Egypt–Benin, Nigeria await Group F third

The bracket is taking shape. Three ties are already locked in:

• Morocco vs Tanzania — a marquee test for the hosts against one of the round’s surprise packages.
• Egypt vs Benin — the Pharaohs were the first side to clinch a last-16 place, doing so after a tense 2-1 win over South Africa.
• Nigeria vs 3rd in Group F — the Super Eagles will face the third-place finisher from a rugged Group F.

The full knockout schedule will be finalized shortly, with kickoff times and remaining pairings set after group standings in Group E and Group F are confirmed.

“Morocco vs Tanzania is the kind of host test we tune in for.”

Nigeria set the pace with a perfect nine

Nigeria were the first team to complete the group stage with maximum points, winning all three games in Group C. They did it with control and punch:

• 2-1 vs Tanzania
• 3-2 vs Tunisia
• 3-1 vs Uganda

They not only scored freely; they handled pressure moments too. The 3-2 edge over Tunisia showed late-game composure, while the 3-1 over Uganda underlined attacking depth. Nigeria’s nine points make them the early standard in the knockouts.

Other key results colored the final day: Tanzania 1-1 Tunisia (Stade Olympique de Rabat, 15,205 attendance) kept both sides steady, while Uganda 1-3 Nigeria (Complexe Sportif de Fès, 11,545) sealed the Super Eagles’ sweep. From Group D, Benin 0-3 Senegal (Ibn Batouta Stadium, 26,707) showed the Lions of Teranga’s ruthless gear, and Botswana 0-3 DR Congo (Stade El Barid, 12,569) underlined the Leopards’ power.

“Nigeria look calm and quick. That balance wins knockout games.”

East Africa rises: Tanzania and Sudan advance

One of the most refreshing stories is the East African surge. Tanzania and Sudan are through, a strong signal that the region’s teams are closing the gap. Tanzania’s 1-1 draw with Tunisia capped a brave group run and, in the words around the camp, marked a historic qualification. It was built on organization, patience, and belief.

Sudan’s progress from Group E adds more weight to that narrative. They join a knockout field where a moment, a set piece, or a sudden break can change everything. If either can pull off one more upset, the bracket could shift in a big way.

“East Africa didn’t sneak in — they earned it. Respect.”

Who’s in, who’s out: the full picture

Here are the confirmed qualifiers by group, with final standings in some groups still to be ordered:

• Group A: Morocco, Mali
• Group B: Egypt, South Africa
• Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Tanzania
• Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin
• Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Sudan (final order pending)
• Group F: Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Mozambique (final order pending)

There was heartbreak too. The eliminated pack includes Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Several battled hard into their last fixtures, but margins were fine and group math was unforgiving.

What’s still pending: times, seed order, and one mystery opponent

While the advancing teams are confirmed, two things remain in motion:

• Final ordering in Groups E and F: This will set some matchups and kickoff slots.
• Remaining group games that do not impact qualification: for example, Sudan vs Burkina Faso (Dec 31, 11:00 AM) and Gabon vs Ivory Coast (Dec 31, 2:00 PM).

That’s why one round-of-16 slot still reads Nigeria vs 3rd in Group F. We know the pathway; we just don’t have the name. Once the final whistle blows on Wednesday’s dead rubbers, the full bracket and schedule should be official.

Egypt strike first, hosts step into the spotlight

Egypt were the first team to seal a last-16 berth after their 2-1 win over South Africa, a result that drew debate but confirmed their habit of managing tight tournament games. The Pharaohs now prepare for Benin, who advanced from a tough Group D behind Senegal and DR Congo.

For the hosts, Morocco vs Tanzania is more than a headline — it’s a tone-setter. Morocco will try to control the game with ball and patience. Tanzania will press and spring. The crowd will carry the hosts, but the underdogs are comfortable suffering and waiting for their moment. It’s a fascinating clash of styles in the first knockout step.

“If Morocco blink, Tanzania have the grit to make them pay.”

Why it matters

This AFCON already feels open. Nigeria have the form. Egypt have the know-how. Morocco have the crowd and the floor-raising talent. Senegal look mean again. And yet, the big story brewing is the rise of teams like Tanzania and Sudan who refuse to follow old scripts.

Knockout football is simple: survive and move. One moment can flip a favorite or launch a dark horse. With the last-16 set and the schedule almost locked, AFCON 2025 now shifts from planning to pressure. Bring on the drama.