CAN 2025 Knockout Stage Begins as Heavyweights Line Up for High-Stakes Duels
The group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 has officially wrapped up, and without much shock along the way, all the big names have safely booked their places in the round of 16. From the very start, the hierarchy was largely respected, with the six top seeds finishing first in their groups and all six teams from the second pot ending up as runners-up. As a result, the knockout bracket has been set up for what promises to be an intense and dramatic run to the trophy.
The round of 16 will kick off this Saturday, with Senegal taking on Sudan in Tangier. As reigning African champions from 2021, Senegal will be expected to assert their dominance, especially after a composed and consistent group campaign. However, it will be noted that they must do so without captain Kalidou Koulibaly, who is suspended. Sudan, meanwhile, arrive with a unique profile, having qualified without scoring a single goal themselves, relying instead on defensive discipline and a slice of fortune.
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Across the bracket, attention is already being drawn to the potential clashes ahead. Nigeria and Algeria, the only two teams to finish the group stage with three wins from three, have landed on the same side of the draw. A quarterfinal showdown between the two looks very possible, with the reward potentially being a semifinal against host nation Morocco. Alongside Nigeria and Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, and Côte d’Ivoire are widely seen as the main favorites, thanks to both their results so far and their deep continental experience.
As the tournament shifts into knockout mode, the tone changes completely. No calculations are allowed anymore, and one mistake can end the journey. Morocco will carry the weight of expectation at home against Tanzania, Egypt will be tasked with handling Benin’s underdog spirit, and Nigeria’s firepower will be tested against a fearless Mozambique side. Elsewhere, Cameroon versus South Africa brings history and tactical intrigue, while Mali against Tunisia sets up a battle between defensive structure and a team desperate to revive past glory.
The headline clash of the round is arguably Algeria versus DR Congo, a matchup loaded with intensity, form, and ambition. Algeria have looked flawless so far, led by an inspired Riyad Mahrez, but DR Congo arrive with confidence and momentum, fully capable of springing a surprise.
Spread over four days, these eight matches represent the moment where CAN 2025 truly comes alive. From now on, every pass, every chance, and every decision could define a nation’s destiny. The margin for error is gone, and the road to continental glory has officially begun.
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