As the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) begins, football fans are eagerly anticipating some thrilling encounters in the Last 16, where teams will battle for a spot in the quarter-finals. Predictions from ESPN’s Ed Dove shed light on some of the key match-ups, with intriguing analysis on how each contest could unfold.
The first significant clash features Senegal against Sudan, where Dove confidently predicts that Senegal will emerge victorious—a prediction he got right. Following this, Mali is expected to defeat Tunisia, which also aligns with Dove’s earlier forecast.
One of the standout fixtures is Morocco facing Tanzania, scheduled for Sunday at 4 PM UK time (6 PM CAT). Morocco has been a dominant force throughout the group stages and will enjoy the advantage of playing in front of a home crowd at their national stadium. With standout performances from Brahim Díaz and Ayoub El Kaabi, and the anticipated return of star defender Achraf Hakimi, Morocco presents a formidable challenge for Tanzania, who despite their brave efforts, advanced to the knockout rounds without a victory in previous Nations Cup tournaments. Dove foresees Morocco advancing from this match-up.
Another pivotal match will see South Africa taking on Cameroon at 7 PM UK time (9 PM CAT). This encounter is regarded as one of the toughest to predict, particularly as Cameroon, despite their troubled preparation, managed to secure second place in Group F. The Indomitable Lions have shown resilience, particularly with standout performer Christian Kofane, while South Africa’s path to this stage includes mixed performances against weaker teams. Dove’s prediction leans slightly toward Cameroon.
The tournament continues on Monday with Egypt clashing with Benin at 4 PM UK time (6 PM CAT). While Egypt hasn’t been firing on all cylinders, their experience and defensive solidity make them favorites to overcome a Benin side that has struggled for attacking prowess. Dove believes Egypt will progress in this match.
The final match of the round of 16 will see Nigeria face off against Mozambique at 7 PM UK time (9 PM CAT). Nigeria has been particularly impressive, showcasing a powerful squad led by players like Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen. Although Mozambique made it through to the knockout stage with a surprise win against Gabon, Dove sees Nigeria advancing comfortably.
As the AFCON tournament heats up, fans can look forward to an exciting display of football, with high stakes and fierce competition set to define these crucial matches. The predicted outcomes reflect a blend of current form and historical performance, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the world’s premier African football competition.