While international football and club football continue side by side, the top five European leagues are heating up at a crucial stage of the season. At the same time, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025-26 has already raised expectations among football fans with intense contests and unpredictable outcomes.
AFCON has now entered the Round of 16, a phase where margins are thin, and pressure defines performances. This stage has already delivered upsets and dominant wins, underlining why AFCON remains one of the most competitive international tournaments.
In this blog on 96APK, we take a closer look at the current panorama of AFCON, the Round of 16 outcomes, and what lies ahead in the quarter-finals and beyond.
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Current Status of the Round of 16
With only four Round of 16 matches remaining, several teams have already secured their places in the quarter-finals. Mali, Senegal, Cameroon, and Morocco have booked their spots through disciplined performances and decisive moments.
The remaining fixtures promise high-stakes encounters:
- Egypt vs Benin
- Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso
- Algeria vs DR Congo
- Nigeria vs Mozambique
Each of these matches presents a different tactical challenge, especially for the underdogs who must deliver near-perfect performances to advance.
Favourites and Underdogs
Traditional African powerhouses such as Senegal, Cameroon, Morocco, Egypt, and Nigeria remain the strongest contenders for the title. These teams possess experience, squad depth, and the ability to manage knockout pressure.
On the other hand, Benin, Burkina Faso, DR Congo, and Mozambique face a tougher path. To reach the quarter-finals, they must rely on tactical discipline, defensive organisation, and efficiency in front of goal. At this stage, one mistake can end a campaign.
Major Upsets So Far
Mali vs Tunisia
One of the biggest shocks of the tournament came when 51st-ranked Mali defeated Tunisia in a penalty shootout, winning 3-2 after a 1-1 draw in regular time. Tunisia, which finished second in its group, were expected to progress comfortably.
The defeat proved costly, as Tunisia subsequently sacked head coach Sami Trabelsi, despite his having guided the team to qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The result once again highlighted AFCON’s unforgiving nature.
Cameroon vs South Africa
Another notable result saw 57th-ranked Cameroon defeat South Africa 2-1 in the Round of 16. Goals from Junior Tchamadeu and Christian Kofane sealed Cameroon’s progression.
South Africa, which had finished second in their group with solid performances, suffered a sudden setback. Their campaign ended despite early promise, showing how quickly momentum can shift in knockout football.
Favourites to Win the Tournament
Based on performances and squad strength, Egypt, Senegal, Algeria, Morocco, Nigeria, and the Ivory Coast remain the leading candidates to lift the trophy. However, AFCON has already shown that predictions mean little once matches reach the knockout stage. There are no second chances. A win takes a team forward; a loss ends the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What stage is AFCON 2025-26 currently in?
AFCON 2025-26 is currently in the Round of 16 stage, with several teams already qualified for the quarter-finals and four knockout matches still to be played.
2. Which teams have qualified for the quarter-finals so far?
Mali, Senegal, Cameroon, and Morocco have secured their places in the quarter-finals through strong performances in the Round of 16.
3. What has been the biggest upset of AFCON 2025-26 so far?
Mali’s penalty shootout win over Tunisia after a 1-1 draw has been the biggest upset, leading to Tunisia parting ways with head coach Sami Trabelsi.
4. Who are the favourites to win AFCON 2025-26?
Senegal, Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Algeria, and the Ivory Coast are considered the main favourites due to their squad depth and tournament experience.
5. Which Round of 16 matches are still to be played?
Egypt vs Benin, Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso, Algeria vs DR Congo, and Nigeria vs Mozambique remain to be played in the Round of 16.
