Morocco, January 2026 – The dust has settled, the minnows have been filtered, and the real competition for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 crown is about to kick off.

After a thrilling, often unpredictable, group stage that showcased the continent’s burgeoning footballing talent, the Round of 16 fixtures are officially set.

From Saturday, January 3, to Tuesday, January 6, two matches will electrify stadiums each day, as 16 nations battle it out in a do-or-die format, vying for a coveted spot in the quarter-finals. This is where legends are made, and dreams are shattered.

The level of football witnessed so far has been nothing short of world-class, confirming Africa’s rising stature on the global stage. Now, with no second chances, the intensity will only ratchet up.

Each encounter offers a unique narrative, a clash of styles, and the ultimate test of nerve. Which teams have the tactical acumen and sheer willpower to navigate this treacherous knockout gauntlet?

Here’s a detailed look at all the matchups that will define the next chapter of AFCON 2025:

Saturday, January 3, 2026

• Senegal vs Sudan
  • Kick-off: 17h00 local time / 16h00 GMT
  • Venue: Grand Stade de Tangier
  • Commentary: The 2021 AFCON champions, Senegal, begin their title defense against Sudan. Senegal, known for their disciplined defense and potent attack, will be heavy favorites, but knockout football often springs surprises. Sudan, having defied expectations to reach this stage, will be playing with nothing to lose, aiming for a monumental upset.
• Mali vs Tunisia
  • Kick-off: 20h00 local time / 19h00 GMT
  • Venue: Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca
  • Commentary: This promises to be a fascinating encounter between two tactically astute sides. Mali, still seeking their maiden continental crown, will rely on their energetic midfield and attacking flair. Tunisia, champions in 2004, will bring their characteristic defensive solidity and experience, making this a tight contest that could go down to the wire.

Sunday, January 4, 2026

• Morocco vs Tanzania
  • Kick-off: 17h00 local time / 16h00 GMT
  • Venue: Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat
  • Commentary: The host nation, Morocco, carries the hopes of an entire continent. Topping Group A, they face Tanzania, who qualified as one of the best third-placed sides from Group C. The expectant roar of the home crowd will be a massive factor as Morocco seeks its first continental title in 50 years. Tanzania will need to weather an early storm and play the game of their lives to stand a chance.
• South Africa vs Cameroon
  • Kick-off: 20h00 local time / 19h00 GMT
  • Venue: Stade Al Medina, Rabat
  • Commentary: A true heavyweight clash with an intriguing subplot. South Africa, led by coach Hugo Broos, will face the very team he guided to AFCON glory in 2017. Can Broos outwit his former champions? Cameroon’s raw power and individual brilliance will test South Africa’s organized defense and counter-attacking prowess, making it a must-watch affair.

Monday, January 5, 2026

• Egypt vs Benin
  • Kick-off: 17h00 local time / 16h00 GMT
  • Venue: Grand Stade de Agadir
  • Commentary: Record seven-time AFCON winners, Egypt, are enduring a long wait, having not lifted the trophy since 2010. Their legions of fans, the Pharaohs faithful, will demand nothing less than progression against Benin. While Egypt are perennial favorites, their path to glory is never easy, and Benin will be determined to make them work for every inch.
• Nigeria vs Mozambique
  • Kick-off: 20h00 local time / 19h00 GMT
  • Venue: Complexe Sportif de Fès
  • Commentary: Nigeria, one of the most impressive and free-flowing sides during the group stages, will be looking to go one better than their silver medal finish in the 2023 edition. They possess a potent attack capable of dismantling any defense. Mozambique, however, have shown resilience and will aim to frustrate the Super Eagles, hoping to spring an unexpected result.

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

• Algeria vs DR Congo
  • Kick-off: 17h00 local time / 16h00 GMT
  • Venue: Stade Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan, Rabat
  • Commentary: This promises to be a battle of attrition between two physical and passionate teams. Algeria, known for their tactical discipline, will face a Democratic Republic of Congo side that can be unpredictable but dangerous on their day. Expect a fiercely contested match where individual moments of brilliance or errors could decide the outcome.
• Cote d’Ivoire vs Burkina Faso
  • Kick-off: 20h00 local time / 19h00 GMT
  • Venue: Grand Stade de Marrakech
  • Commentary: The Round of 16 concludes with a captivating West African derby. Defending champions Cote d’Ivoire will be looking to reassert their dominance, but they face a formidable challenge in Burkina Faso. Known for their strong team ethic and rapid transitions, Burkina Faso are perennial dark horses capable of upsetting the biggest names. This final fixture of the round could be one of the most explosive.

Following these intense matchups, the quarter-finals will be played on January 9-10, with the grand final scheduled for January 18 at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah.

Every pass, every tackle, every shot on goal now holds magnified importance. The quality of football has already been exceptional, and as the tournament narrows, the stakes will only continue to rise.

Get ready for an unforgettable few days of African football.