Morocco, Cameroon Advance as AFCON Knockout Dramas Intensify

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco has transitioned into its high-stakes knockout phase, delivering a weekend of intense tactical battles and high-profile departures. On Sunday, January 4, 2026, the tournament hosts, Morocco, successfully navigated a tense Round of 16 encounter against a resilient Tanzanian side. The “Atlas Lions” relied on a clinical second-half strike from Brahim Díaz in the 63rd minute to secure a 1-0 victory at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Despite Tanzania’s compact defensive structure, the Moroccan pressure eventually told, sparking wild celebrations across the host nation.

In the late-night fixture on Sunday, five-time champions Cameroon proved their tournament pedigree by overcoming South Africa in a 2-1 thriller. The “Indomitable Lions” took control through goals from Junior Tchamadeu and teenage sensation Christian Kofane, holding off a spirited late rally from Bafana Bafana. A 90th-minute goal by Evidence Makgopa gave South Africa a glimmer of hope, but the Cameroonians remained resolute to set up a mouth-watering heavyweight quarter-final clash against Morocco this coming Friday.

As the tournament enters the new week, all eyes turn to the remaining Round of 16 fixtures scheduled for Monday, January 5, 2026. The “Pharaohs” of Egypt are set to face the Benin Republic in Agadir at 5:00 p.m. local time. Under the guidance of Hossam Hassan and led by talisman Mohamed Salah, Egypt is aiming for a record-extending eighth continental title. They face a Benin side that has proven to be a stubborn opponent, qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams and hoping to replicate their historic quarter-final run from 2019.

The Monday night headline act features the Super Eagles of Nigeria, who will lock horns with Mozambique at the Fez Stadium at 8:00 p.m. local time (also 8:00 p.m. in Nigeria). Nigeria enters the knockout stage with significant momentum after a perfect group stage campaign, where they won all three matches under coach Éric Chelle. While historically dominant against the “Mambas,” the Nigerians have been warned against complacency. Mozambique, buoyed by their first-ever tournament victory against Gabon, is looking to cause the biggest upset of the Round of 16.

The winner of the Nigeria-Mozambique clash is slated to face either Algeria or DR Congo in the quarter-finals, a potential path that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. With heavyweights like Morocco and Cameroon already safely through, the pressure is now on the Pharaohs and the Super Eagles to justify their favorite status and keep their dreams of continental glory alive in the Moroccan night.