Hakimi, Salah, Osimhen To Kick Off Star Studded Round of 16

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) resumes on Saturday in Morocco with a star-studded knockout round, featuring standout players Achraf Hakimi, Mohamed Salah, and Victor Osimhen.

Hakimi, the 2025 African Player of the Year, will lead Morocco against Tanzania. Mohamed Salah will captain Egypt against Benin, while Osimhen spearheads Nigeria’s clash with Mozambique. After 36 group-stage matches, the 16 qualifiers from six groups now contest eight second-round matches over four days, all aiming for a spot in the quarter-finals and a chance at the $10 million first prize.

Senegal vs Sudan

2022 champions Senegal, led by veteran Sadio Mane and PSG’s 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye, topped Group D to confirm their status as favourites. Sudan, despite civil war disruptions since 2023, reached the round of 16, securing their only group win via an own goal against Equatorial Guinea.

Mali vs Tunisia

Mali coach Tom Saintfiet warned after three draws that his team needed to improve, though they impressed holding Morocco. Tunisia overcame a three-goal deficit against Nigeria in the group stage to almost level the match, highlighting both teams’ unpredictability.

Morocco vs Tanzania

Morocco, ranked 101 spots above Tanzania, are overwhelming favourites on paper. The Atlas Lions feature Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid) and Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiacos), each with three goals, sharing the Golden Boot lead with Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez. Tanzania, meanwhile, reached the knockout stage for the first time in 45 years.

South Africa vs Cameroon

South Africa and Cameroon meet for only the second time in AFCON history. South Africa’s Lyle Foster and Oswin Appollis will lead attacks, while 19-year-old Christian Kofane provided a stunning match-winner for Cameroon against Mozambique in the group stage.

Egypt vs Benin

Mohamed Salah, struggling for goals at Liverpool this season, regained his scoring touch with match-winning performances against Zimbabwe and South Africa. Benin, celebrating their first AFCON win in 25 years, will rely on veteran striker Steve Mounie, though their attack remains limited.

Nigeria vs Mozambique

Victor Osimhen, a major aerial threat, and Ademola Lookman are set to lead Nigeria. Mozambique will look to striker Geny Catamo, but history favours the Super Eagles, who defeated Mozambique 3-0 in their last AFCON meeting 16 years ago.

Algeria vs DR Congo

A clash of former champions coached by Europeans—Bosnian Vladimir Petkovic (Algeria) and Frenchman Sebastien Desabre (DR Congo). Algeria won all three group matches, with Riyad Mahrez inspiring as captain and scorer.

Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso

The only regional matchup in the round features defending champions Ivory Coast against Burkina Faso. Manchester United winger Amad Diallo starred in the group stage, while the Ivorians face the challenge of Burkinabe defenders Edmond Tapsoba and Issoufou Dayo.

The last-16 promises high-intensity football as Africa’s top stars lead their nations into the knockout stage, edging closer to the quarter-finals and a chance at continental glory.