We’re into the knockouts at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday, as the first two quarter-finalists are decided in Morocco.
Senegal kick off the Round of 16 when they play against Sudan in Tangier, before the meeting between Mali and Tunisia in Casablanca.
It begins a four-day run of knockout fixtures at the tournament, leading into next weekend’s last eight contests.
*All kick off times are in Central Africa Time.
Round of 16: Senegal vs Sudan – 18.00
The knockout phase of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Tangier on Saturday, as Senegal meet Sudan in the first Round of 16 fixture.
It’s a game that pits one of the tournament favourites against the nation ranked 31st on the continent as they headed to Morocco.
The Teranga Lions breezed through Group D and have the advantage of familiar surroundings, having played all three of their pool fixtures at Tangier’s Grand Stade.
An ultimately handsome 3-0 win over Benin on Tuesday kept the west African country out in front at the top of their pool.
Abdoulaye Seck, Habib Diallo and Cherif Ndiaye were all on target as they sneaked to pole position ahead of DR Congo.
The group heavyweights had earlier drawn 1-1 when Sadio Mane cancelled out Cedric Bakambu’s second half opener a week ago.
It followed an encouraging opener for Mane and Co, as they put three past minnows Botswana thanks to a late Ndiaye goal and a brace from Nicolas Jackson.
That leaves the 2021 Afcon champions in great shape to go deep into another competition, although they will have to do without the suspended Kalidou Koulibaly following his red card late in the Benin contest.
The Falcons of Jediane have stirred the emotions with their progression despite finishing third in Group E.
A single victory over Equatorial Guinea in their second game proved enough to earn a place as one of the top four third-placed finishers.
They didn’t even score the winner themselves as an own goal did the trick for the war-torn nation in Casablanca.
But that matters little, likewise the regulation losses at the hands of Algeria and Burkina Faso, with Kwesi Appiah’s men relishing the prospect of a swing at Afcon glory from the most trying of circumstances back home.
Round of 16: Mali vs Tunisia – 21.00
It could be tight in Casablanca on Saturday night, as Mali and Tunisia meet in the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The quirks of the 24-team format mean it’s a first knockout round clash that sees neither side having topped their group.
Indeed Mali haven’t even won a game yet, drawing three in a row to sneak through Group A as runners-up.
The Eagles were moments away from an opening win, it should be said, when Lassine Sinayoko’s goal was cancelled out by Zambia’s Patson Daka in the 92nd minute.
Another 1-1 draw with hosts Morocco and their raucous home crowd followed, with Sinayoko this time on target from the penalty spot.
A lack of quality all round blighted their final outing against Comoros, but a third point was enough to take them through behind the Atlas Lions despite a controversial red card dished out to Amadou Haidara.
That Tunisia progressed as runners-up from Group C was largely thanks to their opening 3-1 win over Uganda in Rabat.
Ellyes Skhiri headed in early on to settle the nerves, before Elias Achouri scored twice to kickstart the Afcon campaign for the Carthage Eagles.
It was a bleaker picture as they tumbled to three goals down against Nigeria.
But they rescued some pride – and nearly a point – thanks to late goals from Montassar Talbi and Ali Abdi, which pushed the Super Eagles all the way for their 3-2 success.
A 43rd-minute penalty from Ismael Gharbi put them ahead in their final game against Tanzania, who found an equaliser just after half time to ensure both nations made it through to the Round of 16.
Senegal vs Sudan
| Category | Prediction |
|---|---|
| First to score | Senegal |
| Over/Under Prediction | Over 2.5 goals |
| HT/FT Prediction | Senegal / Senegal |
| Team to score prediction | Both teams |
| Result prediction | Senegal to win |
Mali vs Tunisia
| Category | Prediction |
|---|---|
| First to score | Mali |
| Over/Under Prediction | Under 2.5 goals |
| HT/FT Prediction | Draw / Tunisia |
| Team to score prediction | Both teams |
| Result prediction | Tunisia to win |