A star-studded cast led by Achraf Hakimi, Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen switch to knockout fare from Saturday, when the Africa Cup of Nations resumes in Morocco.
Paris Saint-Germain defender Hakimi was crowned 2025 African player of the year in November. Liverpool attacker Salah and Galatasaray striker Osimhen were the runners-up.
After 36 matches spread across six groups, the 16 survivors from 24 hopefuls clash in eight second-round matches over four days.
Fit-again Hakimi is set to lead title favourites Morocco against Tanzania, Salah will captain Egypt against Benin and Osimhen-inspired Nigeria tackle Mozambique.
Taking a look at the match-ups that will determine which nations advance to the quarter-finals, and move one step closer to a record $10 million (8.5 million euros) first prize.
Victor Osimhen, ostensibly the livewire of the Super Eagles is a huge aerial threat to any team and with fellow former African player of the year Ademola Lookman who has impressed so far at the AFCON, Mozambique may have more than enough to chew but the Mambas may prove difficult though.
Struggling to score for Liverpool this season, Mohammed Salah has regained his appetite for goals in southern Morocco and is expected to lead Pharaohs attack against Benin Republic.
In the Senegal v Sudan, veteran Sadio Mane and Paris Saint-Germain 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye are the two players that may help wreck Sudan, representing a country ravaged by civil war since 2023, reached the second round despite failing to score. Their only Group F win, against Equatorial Guinea, came via an own goal.
Whenn Mali take on Tunisia, their coach, Tom Saintfiet believes if that if he player don’t up their game they may not survive the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia who showed determination in their 2-3 loss to Nigeria.
The Morocco v Tanzania match may look a mismatch on paper as Morocco, whose only previous title came 50 years ago, are 101 places above Tanzania in the world rankings. Morocco boast a potent strike force of Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid and Ayoub El Kaabi of Olympiacos.
When South Africa and Cameroon met 30 years ago, Bafana Bafana won 3-0 in Johannesburg. As they meet a second time with only four places separating them in the world rankings, South Africa will look to Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster while 19-year-old Christian Kofane struck a stunning match-winner for Cameroon against Mozambique.
