The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco has officially bid farewell to four competing nations following the conclusion of a high-octane weekend in the Round of 16. Sudan, Tunisia, Tanzania, and South Africa have all seen their continental journeys end after failing to overcome their respective opponents in the first knockout stage.
These eliminations clear the path for the remaining contenders as the tournament bracket begins to take its final shape.
Host nation Morocco secured their progression on Sunday evening with a disciplined 1-0 victory over Tanzania, effectively ending the Taifa Stars’ hopes of a historic quarter-final appearance. Simultaneously, Cameroon demonstrated their veteran pedigree by overcoming South Africa with a 2-1 scoreline, a result that prevented Bafana Bafana from replicating their podium finish from the previous edition.
These results set the stage for a heavyweight quarter-final clash between Morocco and Cameroon later this week, while Sudan and Tunisia exited earlier on Saturday after defeats to Senegal and Mali, respectively.
The knockout excitement continues today, Monday, January 5, 2026, with two pivotal fixtures that will decide the next set of quarter-finalists. The Pharaohs of Egypt will confront the Benin Republic at the Stade Adrar in Agadir this evening, with the record-holding champions seeking to maintain their quest for an eighth title. Benin enters the match as underdogs but remains a dangerous threat capable of an upset in the single-elimination format.
Later tonight, the attention of West African fans shifts to the Fez Stadium, where the Super Eagles of Nigeria will battle the Mambas of Mozambique. Nigeria enters the contest with significant momentum after a perfect group-stage run, while Mozambique looks to extend their maiden knockout appearance even further. The winner of this clash will move one step closer to the final on January 18, joining the elite ranks of the top eight teams currently remaining in the competition.
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