The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco has advanced to the knockout stage after a group phase that largely followed form, eliminating only one former champion among the 24 teams. Heavyweight teams including Senegal, Morocco, Algeria and Nigeria progressed, setting up intriguing last-16 matchups starting Saturday. Hosts Morocco topped their group with a convincing win over Zambia.
The first round of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 concluded on Wednesday, with only Zambia, a former champion, eliminated from the 24-team tournament in Morocco. The other 11 past winners advanced to the last 16, alongside Africa's top 12 ranked teams, including seven sides bound for the World Cup later in 2026. This contrasts with the upsets in the previous three editions, as form held in this tournament.
Mozambique and Tanzania reached the knockouts for the first time as best third-placed teams, while Sudan progressed for only the second time since their 1970 victory. The knockout phase begins Saturday with second-ranked Senegal facing Sudan in Tangier. Senegal advanced on goal difference over the Democratic Republic of Congo but will miss suspended captain Kalidou Koulibaly, who was sent off in their 3-0 win over Benin.
Hosts Morocco, Africa's highest-ranked team and 2022 World Cup semi-finalists, secured top spot in Group A with a 3-0 victory over Zambia, silencing critics after nervy opening matches. They face Tanzania in Rabat on Sunday. Coach Walid Regragui emphasized the stakes: “From now on every game is a cup final.”
Algeria and Nigeria finished group play with perfect records. Nigeria meets Mozambique on Monday, while Algeria's Tuesday clash with DR Congo in Rabat draws early buzz. Algeria defender Mehdi Dorval noted: “It’s going to be a big match. The key will be mental, because they are a big team and so are we,” after their win over Equatorial Guinea.
Many top teams rested key players in final group games, showcasing squad depth ahead of the battle for the continental title.