The knockout phase of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has been confirmed, and beyond the immediate Round of 16 drama, one storyline is already taking shape — the possibility of a repeat of the previous AFCON final between hosts Ivory Coast and Nigeria.
With the group stage concluded after decisive results involving Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, and Tunisia, the tournament now moves into its most intense phase.
All 16 teams heading into the knockout rounds are known, and the bracket has thrown up several mouth-watering clashes that could reshape the competition.
Group Stage Wrap-Up
Nigeria sealed top spot in Group C following a 3-1 victory over Uganda, a match that effectively ended Uganda’s qualification hopes.
Tanzania, meanwhile, made history by reaching the AFCON knockout stage for the first time after holding Tunisia to a 1-1 draw, edging out Angola on goals scored among the third-placed teams.
With Botswana, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon already eliminated before the final round of group games, the remaining qualification scenarios were resolved without the need for complex calculations or a drawing of lots.
Qualified Teams by Group
Group A: Morocco, Mali
Group B: Egypt, South Africa
Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Tanzania
Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin
Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Sudan
Group F: Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Mozambique
Round of 16 Fixtures (CET)
Saturday, January 3
Senegal vs Sudan (17:00)
Mali vs Tunisia (20:00)
Sunday, January 4
Morocco vs Tanzania (17:00)
South Africa vs Cameroon (20:00)
Monday, January 5
Egypt vs Benin (17:00)
Nigeria vs Mozambique (20:00)
Tuesday, January 6
Algeria vs DR Congo (17:00)
Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso (20:00)
A Familiar Final on the Horizon?
While the focus remains on the Round of 16, fans and analysts are already looking ahead. Nigeria and Ivory Coast have been placed on opposite sides of the bracket, meaning they can only meet in the final — a scenario that would revive memories of their last AFCON showdown.
Nigeria face Mozambique in the knockout opener with confidence, having shown consistency and attacking intent in the group stage. Ivory Coast, backed by home support, will take on a dangerous Burkina Faso side, knowing that momentum and atmosphere could be decisive.
If both giants navigate their way through the quarter-finals and semi-finals, AFCON 2025 could deliver a blockbuster final that echoes one of the tournament’s most memorable recent clashes.
For now, the road is long and unforgiving — but the possibility of an Ivory Coast vs Nigeria final rematch has already added an extra layer of intrigue to the knockout stage.
