Who are the favorites in AFCON 2025 round of 16?

Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16

SATURDAY

Senegal v Sudan 7pm
Mali v Tunisia 10pm

SUNDAY

Morocco v Tanzania 7pm
South Africa v Cameroon 10pm

MONDAY

Egypt v Benin 7pm
Nigeria v Mozambique 10pm

TUESDAY

Algeria v DR Congo 7pm
Ivory Coast v Burkina Faso 10pm
 
The AFCON has traditionally been something of a members’ club. The earlier editions were restricted to countable participants, with three taking part in the inaugural tournament. By 1994, the number had risen to 12, still disproportionate for a continent of 52 states.

Then the doors were flung ajar in 2019, with the expansion to 24 sides. That did not only mean more fairness but also an increase in uneven football contests, enraging the exclusivists. But it also meant a rise in the number of upsets, of underdogs plundering big-boy loot.

So far at the 2025 AFCON edition in Morocco, the football has gone according to expectation. Poor teams, like our Uganda Cranes, have been weeded out ahead of the knockout rounds, which is where the real football actually starts. So, how do the matchups stack up? Let’s take a look.

Senegal v Sudan 7pm

Where: Grand Stade de Tangier

Sudan. What a story! Sudan are the surprise team of this tournament so far. They progressed to the round of 16 amidst a civil war back in their country between the military and the powerful paramilitary Rapid Support Forces group.

According to the UN, the conflict has claimed more than 40,000 lives so far, with aid organizations estimating the figure to be significantly higher. More than 14 million people have been displaced since the outbreak of war, as diseases and famine continue to spread across the country.

But the Sudanese football team continues to defy the devastating situation.

“I keep telling the players: ‘Fight for your people back home,” Sudan coach Kwesi Appiah told the media.

While Senegal are heavy favourites, Sudan have nothing to lose and will throw everything against the star-studded Teranga Lions.

Mali v Tunisia 10pm

Where: Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca

Interesting. Mali advanced to the round of 16 without winning a game. And all their draws against Zambia (1-1), Morocco (1-1), and Comoros (0-0) were down to grit and determination. Mali are physically strong, always have a great midfield, and will use that to their advantage against a well-drilled Tunisian side.

It will be a battle of Mali’s physical dominance against Tunisia’s tactical discipline.
 

Morocco v Tanzania 7pm

Where: Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat

Tanzania have already punched above their weight. East Africa’s sole representatives in the Round of 16 should be proud.

“I didn’t have enough time to prepare the team, but we worked together with the management and federation and feel very proud,” said Tanzania coach Miguel Gamondi.

Tanzania must confront Morocco with the same mindset that earned them that priceless 1-1 draw against Tunisia.

Inspired by a vibrant home base, the Atlas Lions will try to register a statement of intent by blazing down Tanzania for a dominant win that will deflate the mental side of their title rivals.

South Africa v Cameroon 10pm

Where: Stade Al Medina, Rabat

This one is evenly poised. South Africa coach Hugo Broos might prove the difference as he takes on a Cameroon side he famously led to the Nations Cup title in 2017.

Bafana Bafana have made significant progress in the tournament, showing greater efficiency in key moments, capitalizing on defensive lapses and set-piece situations for their wins against Angola and Zimbabwe.

Cameroon represents the ultimate physical and psychological test. The Indomitable Lions are like a cobra. They sting when it matters most.

Egypt v Benin 7pm

Where: Grand Stade de Agadir

Egypt should squeeze through past a Benin side that lacks quality.

Mohamed Salah is chasing the one trophy that has eluded him, and with Omar Marmoush wheeling down on the opposite flank, the Pharaohs should storm the next round of the tournament.

Nigeria v Mozambique 10pm

Where: Complexe Sportif de Fes

If Nigeria can emulate their displays against Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda, Mozambique will have no chance. It’s difficult to look beyond another remarkable win for the Super Eagles. The Super Eagles’ style of play features a ferocious and coordinated press with a versatile and efficient attack.

Algeria v DR Congo 7pm

Where: Stade Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan, Rabat

This one is too complicated.

Algeria are an in-form side. Besides Nigeria (8) and Senegal (7), the Desert Foxes have been ruthless in front of goal, scoring seven goals and conceding only one in Group E. But they come up against a DR Congo side that can suffocate the very best on the continent. DR Congo lure their prey into a catfight before strangling them to death in the closing stages of a match.

Ivory Coast v Burkina Faso 10pm

Where: Grand Stade de Marrakech

Burkina Faso are on a mission to deliver the country’s first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title. The Stallions reached the final during the 2013 edition in South Africa, but have since struggled to scale similar heights.

The Ivorians won’t afford to fall behind in this one as they did against Gabon. If they do, the Elephants might never recover.