The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has entered the knockout stage, featuring some of Africa’s biggest football stars, including Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Egypt’s Mohammed Salah, and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen.
After 36 group-stage matches across six groups, 16 teams have advanced from a total of 24 to compete in eight high-stakes knockout matches over four days.
On Saturday, Senegal, led by Sadio Mané, will face Sudan. Despite the ongoing civil conflict in Sudan since 2023, the team reached the second round, even though they failed to score a goal in the group stage. Their only victory came through an own goal against Equatorial Guinea.
Tomorrow, Mali will take on Tunisia in a match expected to attract attention from football fans across the continent.
Tanzania’s Taifa Stars will play against the hosts, Morocco, on Sunday. Morocco last won the African title 50 years ago, while Tanzania created history recently by reaching the AFCON knockout stage for the first time in 45 years.
The knockout stage promises thrilling football, with star players expected to influence the outcomes and keep fans on the edge of their seats.
As the tournament intensifies, nations will aim to secure their place in the quarterfinals and contend for Africa’s most prestigious football prize.