AFCON 2025 Knockouts: Five Must-Watch Matches and the Storylines Behind Them

The Africa Cup of Nations has delivered drama in the group stages, and now the real test begins, the Round of 16.

Eight games, 16 nations, and a $10 million prize at stake. Here are the five clashes that promise fireworks, history, and heart.

1. Senegal vs Sudan – Champions vs Survivors

Why Watch?
Senegal, the 2021 champions, have looked every bit the powerhouse. Sadio Mané remains the heartbeat of the team, while PSG’s teenage sensation Ibrahim Mbaye has injected fresh energy off the bench. They topped Group D with authority.
Sudan, on the other hand, are the tournament’s miracle story. Representing a nation torn by civil war, they reached the knockouts without scoring from open play their only win came via an own goal.

The Twist:
Can Sudan’s resilience frustrate Senegal’s attacking juggernaut? Or will Mané and co. cruise into the quarters? Expect Senegal to dominate possession, but Sudan’s compact shape could make this a test of patience.

2. Morocco vs Tanzania – Host Nation Under Pressure

Why Watch?
Morocco are the tournament favourites and hosts, ranked 101 places above Tanzania. With Achraf Hakimi back from injury and Brahim Díaz in Golden Boot form, the Atlas Lions have firepower everywhere. Tanzania, meanwhile, ended a 45-year wait to reach the knockouts. They have nothing to lose and that makes them dangerous.

The Twist:
The pressure is all on Morocco. Knockout football has humbled giants before. Can Tanzania pull off the shock of the tournament? Or will Morocco’s attacking trio—Hakimi, Díaz, and Ayoub El Kaabi, turn this into a statement win?

3. South Africa vs Cameroon – Hugo Broos’ Emotional Reunion

Why Watch?
This isn’t just a match, it’s a story. Hugo Broos, now guiding Bafana Bafana, faces the Cameroon team he led to AFCON glory in 2017. That triumph defined his African legacy. Now, he’s plotting their downfall with a South African side built on pace and structure, led by Lyle Foster and Oswin Appollis. Cameroon, unbeaten in the group stage, remain physical and disciplined, a style Broos knows all too well.

The Twist:
Broos knows Cameroon’s DNA, their resilience and mental toughness. But will old loyalties and emotions play a role in this chess match? Expect a tactical battle with fine margins.

4. Algeria vs DR Congo – Clash of the Form Teams

Why Watch?
Two former champions, two perfect group-stage records, and two European coaches, Bosnian Vladimir Petkovic for Algeria and Frenchman Sébastien Desabre for DR Congo. Riyad Mahrez has been in vintage form for Algeria, scoring three times and pulling the strings in midfield. DR Congo, meanwhile, have been disciplined and clinical, conceding just once in the group stage.

The Twist:
This is the tie of the round. Expect tactical fireworks and individual brilliance in a game that could easily feel like a final. Mahrez vs DR Congo’s compact defence is the duel to watch.

The aggression of DRC in the final third….a difficult team to play. Algeria is in trouble. #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025

— Velile Mnyandu 🇿🇦 (@Velile_Mnyandu) December 30, 2025

5. Nigeria vs Mozambique – Super Eagles on Upset Alert

Why Watch?
Victor Osimhen headlines a Nigeria side brimming with talent, alongside Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze. But Mozambique have shown bite and belief, with Geny Catamo’s pace and trickery posing a real threat. Nigeria dominated Group C but were wasteful in front of goal, something that could haunt them in knockout football.

The Twist:
Nigeria are favourites, but AFCON history is littered with giant-killing acts. Could this be one? If Mozambique score first, expect tension to rise.