The knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations continues this Monday, January 5, with two Round of 16 matches featuring teams with contrasting ambitions and trajectories.
These decisive fixtures will determine which nations secure their spots in the quarterfinals of the tournament currently being hosted in Morocco. The action begins at 4:00 PM GMT at the Grand Stade d’Agadir, where Egypt faces off against Benin. The Pharaohs enter the match as heavy favorites after leading Group B with seven points, having secured two wins and a draw during the group phase. As seven-time African champions,
Egypt looks to maintain its momentum against a Benin side that qualified as one of the best third-placed teams. The Cheetahs earned their place in the knockout stage following a victory over Botswana, despite losses to Senegal and DR Congo. The winner of this encounter is set to face either Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso in the next round.
Later in the evening, the focus shifts to the Fes Sports Complex where Nigeria takes on Mozambique at 8:00 PM GMT. The Super Eagles have been one of the most dominant teams in the competition so far, finishing the group stage with a perfect record of three wins and boasting the tournament’s most prolific attack. They face a Mozambique squad that is making history by reaching this stage for the first time following a crucial victory over Gabon. The nation that emerges victorious from this clash will move on to the quarterfinals to play the winner of the match between Algeria and DR Congo.
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