The AFCON 2025 group stage delivered exactly what African football promised: intensity, unpredictability, and moments that will live long in memory. The opening phase in Morocco has reminded the world why this remains one of football’s most compelling tournaments.
Traditional powerhouses largely did their job, but not without resistance. Defensive discipline was just as influential as attacking flair, and once again, AFCON proved that no match is ever routine.
From Favorites to Surprise Packages: Who Made the Knockouts
Hosts Morocco entered the tournament with a historic winning streak and high expectations, and while they haven’t dominated every game, their results have been strong enough to see them through to the quarter-finals of AFCON 2025, topping Group A with a confident run. Meanwhile, defending champions Ivory Coast had to work hard to keep their title defence alive.
Nigeria and Algeria were the standout performers, both finishing the group stage with perfect nine-point records and sending a clear signal that they’re serious contenders. Senegal and Egypt, meanwhile, relied on their experience and tactical discipline to do enough to secure top spots.
The real surprises of the tournament came from the underdogs. Sudan and Mozambique defied expectations to reach the knockout stage, while Tanzania finally ended a 45-year wait to progress. Although two of the three teams haven’t made it to the quarter-finals, AFCON 2025 is proving once again that it is never just about the big names and that anything can happen on the African stage.
Round of 16 – Qualified Teams
After three matches each, the dust has settled, and 16 nations have earned their place in the knockout rounds.
Group Winners
Morocco ; Egypt ; Nigeria ; Senegal ; Algeria ; Ivory Coast
Group Runners-Up
Mali ; South Africa ; Tunisia ; DR Congo ; Burkina Faso ; Cameroon
Best Third-Placed Teams
Sudan ; Tanzania ; Mozambique ; Benin
Eyes on the Prize: The Road to the Quarter-Finals
The suspense is only just beginning as the teams competing in the Round of 16 prepare to take over Morocco’s iconic host cities in the race for a place in the quarter-finals. On January 9, the action gets underway in Tangier and Rabat, with Senegal facing Mali, while Morocco take on Cameroon in an evening that promises high-stakes football.
The battle remains fiercely contested among these teams: which of Algeria, DR Congo, Nigeria, Mozambique, Egypt or Benin will rise to the occasion and continue their journey at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations?
With continental heavyweights and hungry outsiders just a few wins away from the final, the margin for error has completely vanished.
Get Ahead with Mr Predictor’s Insights
Want to stay one step ahead in AFCON 2025? Mr Predictor is back with the latest tips, in-depth analyses, and match insights to help you spot the key moments, potential upsets, and standout performers. Whether you’re tracking your favorite team or looking for smart betting opportunities, his guidance makes following the tournament even more exciting!
Catch Every AFCON Moment with Guinée Games TV
The tournament isn’t over yet, and there’s still plenty of action to enjoy! Guinée Games TV has you covered with live coverage of all the remaining AFCON 2025 games. Simply log in to your Guinée Games account, go to the “Live” menu, and find the Guinée Games TV icon. From there, just take your seat, and enjoy the AFCON matches. Watch here.
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