Following a grueling ten-day group stage at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hosted in Morocco, the field of 24 contenders has been halved, with 16 national squads securing their passage to the tournament’s decisive knock-out phase. The initial phase, characterized by fierce rivalries and unexpected outcomes, has now set the stage for a series of high-stakes encounters where the margin for error is nonexistent.
The composition of the advancing teams reveals a diverse representation from across the continent. From Group A, the host nation Morocco and Mali have progressed. Group B sees the qualification of footballing giants Egypt alongside South Africa. Group C proved highly competitive, sending three teams forward: Nigeria, Tunisia, and Tanzania. Similarly, Group D advanced Senegal, DR Congo, and Benin. From Group E, Algeria, Burkina Faso, and Sudan have moved on, while Group F finalized the list with Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Mozambique.
The Road to the Final in Rabat
The tournament’s calendar now accelerates, with the round of 16 matches slated to commence on January 3rd and conclude on January 6th. Teams surviving this initial elimination hurdle will then contest the quarter-finals on January 9th and 10th. The penultimate stage, the semi-finals, is scheduled for January 13th, ultimately culminating in the grand final, which will be held in the capital city of Rabat on January 18th.
For fans seeking detailed fixture information, including specific match-ups, venues, and timings, the definitive source remains the official digital portal of the competition. The schedule for all forthcoming matches is meticulously maintained and available for consultation on the official site of the Cup of African Nations.
Conversely, the group stage concluded with the elimination of several nations, including Botswana, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guinea, Angola, and Zambia. Their departure underscores the heightened level of competition at this continental showcase, where established footballing pedigrees offer no guarantee of advancement.
Guinea, Gabon, Zambia, Comoros, Zimbabwe, Angola, and Uganda have been eliminated.
Read update summaries on each match in the first phase of the tournament – see headlines below and on AllAfrica’s football page.