Achraf Hakimi Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen Lead Impressive AFCON Knockout Lineup
An impressive array of talent featuring Achraf Hakimi Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen shifts focus to elimination games starting Saturday as the Africa Cup of Nations continues in Morocco.
Paris Saint-Germain fullback Hakimi earned the title of 2025 African footballer of the year last November. Liverpool forward Salah and Galatasaray centre forward Osimhen finished as the close challengers.
Following 36 fixtures divided into six sections the 16 teams advancing from 24 entrants will compete in eight knockout ties across four days.
Now back to full fitness Hakimi should guide the tournament favourites Morocco in their clash with Tanzania while Salah will helm Egypt against Benin and Osimhen powered Nigeria will face Mozambique.
AFP Sport examines the pairings that will decide which countries progress to the last eight and edge nearer to the top prize of 10 million dollars or 8.5 million euros.
Senegal versus Sudan
Experienced Sadio Mane along with 17 year old Paris Saint-Germain substitute Ibrahim Mbaye in his two brief outings have shone brightly helping the 2022 winners Senegal secure their status as contenders by topping Group D. Sudan from a nation gripped by conflict since 2023 made it through without finding the net. Their sole victory in Group F over Equatorial Guinea resulted from an opposition error.
Mali versus Tunisia
We cannot advance far if we keep performing this way cautioned Mali manager Tom Saintfiet originally from Belgium after a trio of Group A stalemates. Tunisia managed to resist Morocco effectively but struggled badly versus Nigeria until already three goals behind. The Carthage Eagles then netted twice and nearly drew level.
Morocco versus Tanzania
This looks lopsided in theory with Morocco who lifted the trophy just once 50 years back ranking 101 spots higher than Tanzania globally. The eastern African side broke a 45 year barrier to reach this stage via a pair of ties. Morocco possess a dangerous attacking duo in Real Madrid player Brahim Diaz and Olympiacos forward Ayoub El Kaabi. Both have netted three times tying for the leading scorer spot with Algerias Riyad Mahrez.
South Africa versus Cameroon
South Africa marked their AFCON entry 30 years past by thrashing Cameroon 3 0 in Johannesburg. Expect a tighter contest on their reunion although only four ranking positions divide them worldwide. Chasing strikes South Africa will rely on Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster whereas Cameroons 19 year old Christian Kofane delivered a brilliant decisive blow against Mozambique.
Egypt versus Benin
Finding the net tough for Liverpool lately Salah has rediscovered his scoring touch in southern Morocco. He secured vital wins versus Zimbabwe and South Africa to clinch Group B. Benin savoured their inaugural AFCON triumph 25 years on from their bow by slipping past Botswana. The Cheetahs form a tight energetic unit guided by seasoned forward Steve Mounie yet they miss firepower upfront.
Nigeria versus Mozambique
Dynamic Osimhen poses a major threat in the air and might have notched trebles over Tanzania and Tunisia in Group C though he bagged only one strike. Teammate and past African footballer of the year Ademola Lookman has also stood out. Mozambique fell 3 0 to the Super Eagles in their last AFCON encounter 16 years ago. Things may be closer now with forward Geny Catamo dangerous for the Mambas.
Algeria versus DR Congo
This showdown between past winners could prove the standout fixture. It stands as the sole matchup with coaches from Europe Bosnian Vladimir Petkovic and French Sebastien Desabre. Algeria matched Nigeria as the only sides to take maximum points from their groups. Ex Manchester City winger Mahrez has captained superbly including three goals.
Ivory Coast versus Burkina Faso
This tie uniquely pits teams from the identical area. Neighbours Burkina Faso and holders Ivory Coast meet in west Africa. Manchester United wide man Amad Diallo uniquely earned two player of the match honours during the groups. The Ivorians now confront solid Burkinabe centre backs Edmond Tapsoba and Issoufou Dayo.