The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially unveiled the full fixture list for the Round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, following the conclusion of the group-stage battles.
The knockout phase is set to kick off on Saturday, January 3, and run through Tuesday, January 6, with two matches scheduled daily at 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm (local time), according to details published on CAF’s official website on Wednesday.
The round of 16 will burst into life on Saturday as 2021 champions Senegal square up against Sudan at the Grand Stade de Tangier, marking the first do-or-die encounter of the tournament. Later that evening, Mali will lock horns with Tunisia in Casablanca, with Mali hoping to move closer to a maiden AFCON crown, while the North Africans aim to relive the glory of their lone triumph in 2004.
Attention will shift to Sunday, when host nation Morocco faces Tanzania at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat. The Atlas Lions topped Group A, while Tanzania snuck into the knockout phase as one of the best third-placed teams from Group C.
Sunday night promises fireworks as South Africa battle Cameroon in Rabat, a clash layered with intrigue as Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos comes up against the Indomitable Lions— the very team he guided to AFCON success in 2017.
Egypt and Nigeria Enter the Fray
On Monday, seven-time champions Egypt will take on Benin in Agadir as the Pharaohs continue their quest for a first AFCON title since 2010.
Later that night, Nigeria, one of the most impressive sides in the group stage, will face Mozambique at the Complexe Sportif de Fès. The Super Eagles will be eyeing a deep run as they seek to go one better than their silver-medal finish at AFCON 2023.
The Round of 16 will wrap up on Tuesday, with Algeria clashing against DR Congo in Rabat before defending champions Côte d’Ivoire take on Burkina Faso in Marrakech, closing what promises to be a thrilling opening knockout round.
CAF also confirmed that the quarter-finals will hold on January 9 and 10, while the grand finale is scheduled for January 18 at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.
CAF AFCON MOROCCO 2025 – ROUND OF 16 FIXTURES
Saturday, January 3, 2026
- Senegal vs Sudan — 5:00 pm, Grand Stade de Tangier
- Mali vs Tunisia — 8:00 pm, Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca
Sunday, January 4, 2026
- Morocco vs Tanzania — 5:00 pm, Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat
- South Africa vs Cameroon — 8:00 pm, Stade Al Medina, Rabat
Monday, January 5, 2026
- Egypt vs Benin — 5:00 pm, Grand Stade de Agadir
- Nigeria vs Mozambique — 8:00 pm, Complexe Sportif de Fès
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
- Algeria vs DR Congo — 5:00 pm, Stade Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan, Rabat
- Côte d’Ivoire vs Burkina Faso — 8:00 pm, Grand Stade de Marrakech
With the group stage drama now behind them, Africa’s finest will turn their attention to knockout football—where one mistake can end a dream, and one moment can make history.