OFFICIAL: AFCON Round of 16 Fixtures Confirmed as Knockout Stage Begins

The Africa Cup of Nations has reached the stage where margins are thin and pressure is at its highest. With the group phase now complete, the OFFICIAL AFCON Round of 16 fixtures have been confirmed, setting the stage for a thrilling knockout round across the continent.

From established giants chasing silverware to underdogs hoping to write history, every team now faces a simple reality: win or go home. AFCON’s knockout rounds have always delivered drama, and this year’s lineup promises more of the same.

Below is a full breakdown of each Round of 16 fixture, including match previews and key players to watch.

Mali vs Tunisia: A Battle of Discipline and Control

Match Preview

Mali and Tunisia meet in what is expected to be a tight, tactical contest. Mali have impressed with their physical strength and midfield dominance, while Tunisia remain one of the most organised sides in African football.

Neither team is likely to take unnecessary risks early on, making this a game that could be decided by a single moment of quality or a set-piece.

Key Players to Watch

• Mali: Yves Bissouma – dictates tempo and shields the defence

• Tunisia: Ellyes Skhiri – vital for balance and ball recovery

Senegal vs Sudan: Champions Tested by Belief

Match Preview

Defending champions Senegal enter this fixture as favourites, but Sudan have already shown resilience and tactical discipline in the tournament. Senegal’s depth, pace, and experience give them the edge, yet knockout football often punishes complacency.

Sudan will aim to stay compact, slow the game down, and take advantage of counter-attacking opportunities.

Key Players to Watch

• Senegal: Sadio Mané – leadership and match-winning quality

• Sudan: Mohamed Abdelrahman – the focal point of their attack

Egypt vs Benin: Experience vs Organisation

Match Preview

Seven-time champions Egypt know how to navigate AFCON knockout stages better than most. Despite an uneven group stage, the Pharaohs remain dangerous, especially when games become tight and tense.

Benin are well-structured and difficult to break down, which could frustrate Egypt if an early goal does not arrive.

Key Players to Watch

• Egypt: Mohamed Salah – capable of changing the game instantly

• Benin: Steve Mounié – strength and presence in the final third

Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso: West African Rivalry

Match Preview

This all–West African clash is one of the most exciting fixtures of the round. Ivory Coast bring technical quality and attacking depth, while Burkina Faso rely on intensity, work rate, and direct play.

With both sides familiar with each other’s style, this match could become fast, physical, and unpredictable.

Key Players to Watch

• Ivory Coast: Sébastien Haller – a constant goal threat

• Burkina Faso: Bertrand Traoré – creativity and leadership

South Africa vs Cameroon: Confidence Meets Pedigree

Match Preview

Cameroon’s AFCON pedigree needs no introduction, but South Africa arrive with confidence and momentum. While Cameroon rely on physical strength and experience, South Africa’s fluid passing and pressing could cause problems.

Midfield control will likely decide this contest.

Key Players to Watch

• South Africa: Percy Tau – pace and attacking intelligence

• Cameroon: Vincent Aboubakar – proven scorer in big games

Morocco vs Tanzania: Favourites Under Pressure

Match Preview

Morocco enter the knockout stage with one of the most balanced squads in the competition. Their structured build-up play and technical quality make them favourites, but Tanzania will aim to stay disciplined and frustrate.

AFCON history has shown that favourites must stay alert from the first minute.

Key Players to Watch

• Morocco: Hakim Ziyech – creativity and delivery from wide areas

• Tanzania: Mbwana Samatta – experience and leadership

Algeria vs DR Congo: Heavyweights Collide

Match Preview

This fixture stands out as one of the most evenly matched ties in the Round of 16. Algeria’s possession-based approach faces a powerful and direct DR Congo side that thrives on transitions.

Expect intensity, tactical adjustments, and moments of individual brilliance.

Key Players to Watch

• Algeria: Riyad Mahrez – capable of deciding matches alone

• DR Congo: Cédric Bakambu – clinical and dangerous

Nigeria vs Mozambique: Super Eagles Eye Progress

Match Preview

Nigeria arrive as one of the tournament favourites, blending pace, power, and attacking depth. Mozambique have already exceeded expectations and will look to remain compact while hitting on the counter.

Nigeria’s ability to break down a low block will be key.

Key Players to Watch

• Nigeria: Victor Osimhen – relentless, physical, and clinical

• Mozambique: Reinildo Mandava – defensive leader

Why the AFCON Round of 16 Is Always Special

The AFCON Round of 16 is where reputations are tested and surprises often emerge. With no second chances, teams must combine discipline, tactical flexibility, and mental strength.

This stage captures everything that makes AFCON unique — passion, unpredictability, and national pride.

Conclusion: Knockout Football Takes Centre Stage

With the AFCON Round of 16 fixtures officially confirmed, the tournament now enters its most dramatic phase. Every match carries enormous stakes, and every decision could define a nation’s journey.

As Africa’s best teams battle for a place in the quarter-finals, fans can expect intensity, emotion, and unforgettable moments.

AFCON knockout football is here — and the continent is ready. ⚽🌍