RABAT: Surprise upsets have defined recent Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, but the latest edition in Morocco has followed the script, delivering a knockout stage stacked with continental heavyweights and World Cup-bound contenders.
As the group phase concluded on Wednesday, only one former champion—Zambia—failed to advance. The remaining 11 past winners all secured places in the last 16, setting the stage for a series of high-stakes clashes that begin this weekend.
Mozambique and Tanzania progressed beyond the group stage for the first time, advancing as best third-placed teams, while Sudan reached the knockouts only for the second time since lifting the trophy in 1970. Beyond those exceptions, Africa’s elite have asserted themselves emphatically.
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All of the continent’s top 12 ranked teams are through, including seven nations preparing for the upcoming World Cup. The knockout action opens on Saturday in Tangier, where second-ranked Senegal face Sudan in the first elimination match.
Senegal edged the Democratic Republic of Congo on goal difference to top their group but will be without suspended captain Kalidou Koulibaly, who was sent off in Tuesday’s 3-0 victory over Benin. Even so, their squad depth remains formidable—a common trait among the tournament favourites.
Several leading teams rotated players in their final group games, having already secured qualification, ensuring fresher squads for the knockout rounds.
Morocco Regain Authority
Hosts Morocco, however, named a full-strength side in a statement 3-0 win over Zambia to finish top of Group A. The performance eased concerns after subdued displays in their opening two matches and reignited belief among home supporters.
Africa’s top-ranked team and semi-finalists at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Morocco entered the tournament as favourites and remain under intense expectation.
“From now on, every match is a cup final,” said head coach Walid Regragui ahead of Sunday’s clash with Tanzania in Rabat.
Blockbuster Clashes Ahead
Algeria and Nigeria were the only sides to complete the group stage with perfect records. Nigeria are widely expected to overcome Mozambique on Monday, while Algeria’s showdown with DR Congo in Rabat on Tuesday is already being billed as one of the tournament’s defining encounters.
“It’s going to be a big match,” Algeria defender Mehdi Dorval said after Wednesday’s win over Equatorial Guinea. “The key will be mental strength. They are a big team—and so are we.”
With Africa’s elite firmly in place, the knockout rounds promise intensity, pedigree, and little margin for error as the race for the continental crown accelerates.
-Mark Twain
