With the knockout stage about to begin at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the tournament’s heavyweights have largely enjoyed smooth passage so far.
Algeria and Nigeria were the only teams to win all three of their group matches, while Mohamed Salah’s goals helped Egypt progress comfortably with seven points.
Hosts Morocco also went unbeaten, easing captain Achraf Hakimi back into action after injury.
However, several teams are now eyeing the opportunity to spring surprises in the Round of 16.
With more drama certain to unfold, here are some of the key talking points from the 35th edition of the tournament.
Favourites avoiding upsets – for now
After the shock exits of Algeria, Tunisia and Ghana at the group stage two years ago, all of the top 12-ranked teams have progressed this time with minimal fuss.
Alongside Algeria—whose captain Riyad Mahrez has scored three times to lead the goalscoring charts—Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal and Ivory Coast all topped their respective groups.
When a surprise did arrive, Mozambique ensured it was a memorable one. In their 17th match at an AFCON finals, the world’s 102nd-ranked side claimed their first-ever victory at the tournament by beating Gabon to advance.
The reaction in Gabon was swift and dramatic, with the government reportedly dismissing the entire coaching staff, suspending players and banning forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang following three group-stage defeats.
Sudan, the lowest-ranked team remaining at the finals, also defied the odds. Forced to play all their qualifiers abroad due to civil war at home, the Falcons of Jediane reached the knockout stage for only the second time since lifting the trophy in 1970, thanks to a crucial win over Equatorial Guinea.
Cheetahs and Taifa Stars make history
Mozambique were not the only side to reach the knockout stage for the first time.
Tanzania, winless in their previous 12 AFCON matches since debuting in 1980, progressed despite collecting just two points and now face hosts Morocco in Rabat.
No third-placed team had previously advanced with fewer than three points since AFCON expanded to 24 teams in 2019. The Taifa Stars achieved the feat with a draw against Tunisia, a side ranked 71 places above them.
Benin, appearing at the finals for the fifth time, have qualified before, notably beating Morocco on penalties in the 2019 last 16. This time, however, the Cheetahs ended a 15-match wait for their first AFCON win in regulation time. Their reward is a clash with Egypt in Agadir.
Has Salah found his scoring boots?
With two goals in the group stage, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah has already equalled his best-ever AFCON tally, despite being rested alongside Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush for Monday’s goalless draw with Angola.
Without hitting top form, Salah’s contributions have been decisive—a stoppage-time winner against Zimbabwe and a first-half penalty against South Africa, a match Egypt held on to win despite being reduced to 10 men.
After a difficult start to the season with Liverpool, the four-time Premier League Golden Boot winner will be keen to improve on a knockout-stage record of two goals and one assist in eight appearances.
How fit is Hakimi?
Hakimi made his first appearance in almost two months as a second-half substitute in Morocco’s final group win over Zambia, but questions remain over whether the reigning African Footballer of the Year is ready to start matches.
Coach Walid Regragui has praised Hakimi’s quality while acknowledging the physical demands his system places on wide players, raising doubts about whether the captain can yet sustain that intensity following an ankle injury.
Regragui also thanked Paris Saint-Germain for releasing Hakimi early and praised stand-ins Noussair Mazraoui and Mohamed Chibi for their contributions at right-back.
Hakimi remains a key leader off the pitch, but whether he can deliver decisively against Tanzania remains to be seen.
Who are the dark horses?
DR Congo, who beat Nigeria and Cameroon in World Cup qualifiers in November, held reigning champions Senegal to a 1-1 draw in Group D. However, they face a tough Round of 16 test against Algeria.
Tunisia coach Sami Trabelsi is hoping to emulate his run to the 1996 final as a player, having guided his team beyond the group stage after their early exit in 2013. Tunisia have shown flashes of quality, beating Uganda, drawing with Tanzania, and mounting a late but unsuccessful comeback against Nigeria.
Cameroon’s new coach David Pagou boasts attacking firepower, with Bryan Mbeumo assisting Karl Etta Eyong’s opener and 19-year-old Christian Kofane scoring a stunning winner against Mozambique.
Mali coach Tom Saintfiet has warned his unbeaten side that improvement is needed, despite holding Morocco to a draw—the first team to avoid defeat against the hosts in 21 months. Lassine Sinayoko has continued his fine AFCON form, scoring five goals in his last eight appearances at the tournament.
The wettest AFCON ever?
Every AFCON is billed as “the best ever,” and while that verdict remains open, Morocco 2025 is making a strong case for being the wettest edition yet.
Torrential rain and unusually cold conditions have seen players battling soaked pitches and heavy downpours, a stark contrast to the tropical heat of past tournaments.
With rain forecast throughout the Round of 16, fans’ resolve will be tested. Attendance has been modest for matches not involving the hosts, but the standard of facilities—including well-drained pitches—has drawn praise.
Morocco’s significant investment in stadium renovation and construction ahead of co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal is already yielding visible benefits.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh
