AFCON 2025: Bafana Bafana and All Teams Qualified for the Round of 16

The group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations curtain is closing, and the knockout phase is set begin on 3 January 2026.

South Africa sealed their spot in the last 16 with a dramatic win over Zimbabwe, joining heavyweights like Egypt, Senegal, and Morocco in the hunt for continental glory. Here’s a full list of teams that have qualified for the Round of 16 and what comes next.

📅 Knockout Stage Schedule

• Round of 16: 3–6 January 2026
• Quarter-finals: 9–10 January 2026
• Semi-finals: 13 January 2026
• Final: 18 January 2026 in Rabat, Morocco

Six of 16 knockout places are filled ✅🏆

Who will be next from Group C and Group D? 🤔#SSFootball | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/HsrllJ8ifJ

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) December 29, 2025

Algeria

The Desert Foxes booked their place after a narrow 1–0 win over Burkina Faso, with captain Riyad Mahrez scoring from the penalty spot. Algeria, champions in 1990 and 2019, showed their trademark resilience and efficiency. With six points from their opening games, they look primed for another deep run.

Nigeria

The Super Eagles were among the first to qualify, showcasing their attacking flair and depth. Nigeria’s consistency in AFCON tournaments makes them perennial contenders, and their early qualification underlines their intent to reclaim continental glory.

Egypt

The Pharaohs, record seven-time AFCON winners, once again demonstrated their pedigree. Egypt topped their group, combining defensive solidity with clinical finishing. Their experience in knockout football makes them one of the most feared sides heading into January.

South Africa

Bafana Bafana sealed their spot with a thrilling 3–2 victory over Zimbabwe. Goals from Lyle Foster and Oswin Appollis highlighted South Africa’s attacking potential, while their resilience in a tense contest showed they can handle pressure. For South Africans, this qualification rekindles memories of the 1996 triumph and fuels hopes of another historic run.

Morocco

The Atlas Lions, hosts of AFCON 2025, delighted home fans with an emphatic 3–0 victory over Zambia to secure their place in the last 16. Morocco’s blend of European-based stars and local talent has made them one of the tournament favorites, and the roar of the home crowd in Rabat and Casablanca could prove decisive in their quest for glory.

Mali

Mali also booked their place in the Round of 16 after a tepid 0-0 draw with Comoros in Casablanca on Monday, finishing second in Group A behind Morocco. The result eliminated Comoros, while Mali advanced despite drawing all three of their group matches.