Gab Marcotti has shared his insights on the round of 16 matches for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), highlighted by thrilling encounters such as Algeria facing the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa taking on Cameroon.
As the tournament progresses, ESPN’s Ed Dove made his match predictions for each of the knockout stage clashes, revealing where he believes the games will be decided.
In the exciting match between Senegal and Sudan, Dove confidently predicted that Senegal would move forward, which turned out to be correct. Mali was also forecasted to triumph over Tunisia, and that prediction was validated as well. Morocco’s dominance was expected against Tanzania, and Dove’s prediction was accurate once again, with Morocco claiming victory.
The match between South Africa and Cameroon is crucial, particularly given the background of South Africa’s head coach Hugo Broos, who previously led the Cameroonian national team. Dove remarked that he anticipates Cameroon to narrowly advance, a prediction he also got right.
In an upcoming fixture, Egypt is set to face Benin on Monday. Despite a somewhat sluggish start to the tournament, Egypt has shown resilience, notably through contributions from star player Mohamed Salah. Benin, having recently claimed their first victory in the tournament, will face a tougher challenge this time, and Dove foresees Egypt advancing successfully.
Another highly anticipated match pits Nigeria against Mozambique. The Super Eagles have exhibited exceptional form, finishing at the top of Group C with a flawless record. Players like Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen have been standout performers, leading Dove to predict that Nigeria will also progress past Mozambique.
As fans eagerly await the matches, the knockout stage promises to be filled with suspense and excitement as some of Africa’s best teams vie for the coveted title. The passion and talent on display in the tournament continue to capture the attention of football enthusiasts.