The group stages of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024) have finally come to an end. We've witnessed some major upsets, as well as some very one-sided games.
With that in mind, 16 teams will contend with each other for the Nations Cup title as we head into the knockout stages. Let's take a look at each individual match-up.
AFCON 2024 Round of 16 match-ups
Angola vs Namibia
This should be an interesting clash between two familiar foes. Angola and Namibia met 12 times since September 1994, and quite frankly, the Namibians did not particularly fare well in those games.
As a matter of fact, Angola have never lost to Namibia. They have six wins in 12 previous skirmishes between these outfits, with six draws.
Given that Pedro Goncalves' men are currently on an eight-match unbeaten run, Angola should be the favourites to win this game.
Nigeria vs Cameroon
The first encounter between Nigeria and Cameroon took place in a friendly match in April 1960. Given that these are two of the most successful teams in the history of this tournament, it's no surprise that they've met on many occasions.
In fact, this will be the 26th encounter between these teams. Nigeria's Super Eagles currently lead the head-to-head with 12 wins. Eight of 25 previous meetings between these teams ended in stalemates, while Cameroon came out on top five times.
Interestingly, the last time Cameroon beat Nigeria in a competitive fixture was in 2000. They lost five of the last eight clashes between these outfits.
Guinea vs Equatorial Guinea
Guinea had a fairly decent group stage campaign, finishing third in the so-called Group of Death. They'll have a tough task ahead of them, as they square off against Equatorial Guinea.
A few teams have exceeded expectations, and Equatorial Guinea are one of them. They held their own against heavyweights like Nigeria and Ivory Coast, finishing at the top of the Group A table.
The Equatoguineans are on a 13-match unbeaten run that dates back to June 2022. This will be their first encounter with Guinea.
Egypt vs DR Congo
It's fair to point out that the first ever encounter between these teams was in 1970, at the Africa Cup of Nations. Likewise, their most recent clash took place at this tournament, in AFCON 2019.
It's also safe to say that DR Congo don't particularly look forward to meeting Egypt on the field. They have no wins in eight previous encounters between these teams, with two draws and six losses.
However, considering Egypt did not win any of their group matches, perhaps Sebastien Desabre's men will manage to get their first win against the Pharaohs.
Cape Verde vs Mauritania
The first meeting between these teams took place in February 1982, at the Amilcar Cabral Cup.
All in all, this will be their 12th encounter. Cape Verde have five wins in 11 previous skirmishes between these sides. Three of those meetings ended in stalemates, while Mauritania emerged victorious on three occasions.
It's also worth mentioning that this will be Mauritania's first appearance in the knockout stages of this tournament. They'll go up against a Cape Verde side that held their own against Egypt and Ghana.
Senegal vs Ivory Coast
Defending champions vs hosts, Senegal and Ivory Coast have had contrasting AFCON 2024 campaigns so far.
On one hand, Senegal were the most dominant team in the group stages, winning three of three matches. On the other hand, Cameroon needed help in order to get in on the last day.
This will be the 26th meeting between these sides. The Ivorians dominated their previous skirmishes with 14 wins. Senegal came out on top eight times, while the spoils were shared in three of their clashes.
Mali vs Burkina Faso
Mali and Burkina Faso border each other, so it's no surprise that they've met on many occasions.
As a matter of fact, these teams clashed 29 times, and 25 of those were friendly games.
That said, Mali have 14 wins against Burkina Faso; they lost 11 times with four draws.
Burkina Faso will have to figure out a way to beat a Mali side that's currently on a 10-match unbeaten run.
Morocco vs South Africa
The interesting thing about this match-up is that these teams were paired in the same AFCON 2024 qualifying group.
This will be the ninth clash between these teams, and seven of those were either at the AFCON, or in the qualifying rounds.
As it stands, the head-to-head record between these sides is balanced, as they both have three wins apiece, with three draws between them.
