16 teams remain in the battle to be crowned African champions following the conclusion of the AFCON group stages in Morocco.
The tournament has so far delivered little in the way of upsets, with the stronger teams all coming out on top. Regardless, some fantastic goals and stories have set things up for a run towards the final.
The six top seeds all won their groups, including hosts Morocco and current holders Ivory Coast. The latter clinched first in the last few minutes of their final game ahead of Cameroon.
We have also seen glimpses of some of the stronger teams pitting themselves against each other for early comparisons. Egypt beat South Africa thanks to Mohamed Salah's penalty, while Tunisia went down 3-2 against Nigeria. Ivory Coast and Cameroon finished 1-1, as did Senegal against DR Congo.
Such is the format, which mirrors the 24-team European Championships, some teams have advanced despite limited positives in their opening three games. While Algeria and Nigeria breezed through their groups with maximum points, others stuttered towards the round of 16.
11 of the very best. 🌟
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 2, 2026
Your #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 team of the group stage is here!#WePlayDifferent pic.twitter.com/NqGAkYXPvw
One example is Mali, who despite not winning a single game, reached the knockout stages for the fourth successive edition following draws against Zambia, Morocco, and Comoros. Tanzania also advanced despite going winless and collecting just two points. Sudan went one better - heading through as one of the best third-placed teams despite not scoring themselves - their sole goal coming courtesy of an own goal by Equatorial Guinea's Coco.
Mozambique made history, as their 3-2 victory against Gabon not only gave them a first-ever AFCON win at their 16th attempt, but also secured their spot in the knockout stages for the first time.
It also caused outrage in Gabon, after they lost all three matches for the first time since the change to the 16-team format back in 1996. Following the tournament, the Gabonese government have incredibly suspended and dissolved the national team until further notice. Manager Thierry Mouyouma was sacked immediately on live TV, while captain Bruno Mangala and vice-captain Pierre Emerick Aubameyang have also been banned from representing the team.
Despite his recent public Liverpool predicament, Mohamed Salah has scored two goals for Egypt, both of which were penalties, on their way to topping the group. Manchester United winger Amad Diallo has also bagged two goals for the Ivory Coast, one of which was a superb solo effort against Cameroon. Burnley's South African Lyle Foster has also been amongst the scorers in the group stages, with two goals to his name.
⚽🔥 Amad Diallo scores
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) December 28, 2025
Ivory Coast take the lead against Cameroon 🇨🇮💥#beINSPORTS #AFCON2025 #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 #AFCON #CAN2025 pic.twitter.com/OI4yxmrjpq
The round of 16 kicks off today (Saturday), with Senegal playing Sudan in Casablanca.
Your #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 round of 16 fixtures. 👇 pic.twitter.com/RVi3c3HFhe
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 2, 2026
