Africa Cup of Nations Results: AFCON 2025 Round of 16 Match Analysis

The AFCON knockout stage delivered exactly what this tournament is known for: late swings, set-piece pressure, and games decided by one moment of quality. These Africa Cup of Nations Results cover the Round of 16 matches played from January 3 to January 5, with scorers, best players, and clear takeaways for bettors who follow Africa Cup of Nations match analysis closely.

Africa Cup of Nations Results and what they signal for the quarter-finals

Nigeria 4–0 Mozambique: Super Eagles hit top speed

Nigeria turned this tie into a statement. They pressed early, attacked the half-spaces, and punished every Mozambique mistake with direct running. Ademola Lookman opened the scoring in the 20th minute, Victor Osimhen added goals in the 25th and 47th, and Akor Adams completed the rout in the 70th.

Mozambique could not slow the tempo, and Nigeria’s front line kept creating high-quality chances instead of settling for long shots. Best player: Ademola Lookman, who scored once and drove Nigeria’s best attacking sequences.

Egypt 3–1 Benin (AET): extra-time power decides it

Egypt controlled long spells but Benin stayed compact and forced a fight. Marwan Attia broke the deadlock in the 69th minute with a shot from range. Benin equalised through Jodel Dossou in the 83rd and pushed the match into extra time. Yasser Ibrahim headed Egypt back in front in the 97th minute, then Mohamed Salah sealed it late with a counter-attacking finish.

Benin defended bravely, but Egypt’s set pieces and game management mattered when legs got heavy. Best player: Yasser Ibrahim, decisive with the extra-time winner and dominant aerial work.

South Africa 1–2 Cameroon: efficiency beats control

South Africa started sharper and created the early danger, but Cameroon stayed calm and struck at the right moments. Junior Tchamadeu made it 0–1 in the 34th minute, and Christian Kofane doubled the lead in the 47th with a composed finish. Evidence Makgopa pulled one back in the 87th, yet Cameroon held firm in the final minutes.

This was classic knockout football: one team builds pressure, the other finishes chances. Best player: Carlos Baleba, whose control and ball-winning kept Cameroon stable during South Africa’s best spell.

Morocco 1–0 Tanzania: Diaz delivers the difference

Morocco dominated territory but Tanzania stayed organised and made the first half uncomfortable. The game turned after the break when Morocco increased the tempo and attacked the box with more urgency. Brahim Díaz scored the only goal in the 63rd minute, cutting inside and finishing from a tight angle to send the hosts through.

Tanzania nearly stole a surprise with one clear chance, but Morocco’s pressure stayed constant until the final whistle. Best player: Brahim Díaz, the match-winner and the most dangerous attacker on the pitch.

Mali 1–1 Tunisia (Mali win on pens): Diarra saves the day

This tie was shaped by nerves and late drama. Tunisia went ahead in the 88th minute through Firas Chaouat. Mali refused to fold and equalised in stoppage time when Kamory Doumbia Sinayoko converted a penalty in the 90+6’ minute. The match went to a shootout, where Mali’s goalkeeper made the defining interventions to send his team through.

It was not pretty, but it was resilient. Mali survived the worst moment, then stayed composed in the shootout. Best player: Djigui Diarra, match-winning saves under maximum pressure.

Sudan 1–3 Senegal: champions’ response after an early shock

Sudan stunned Senegal early when Aamir Abdallah scored in the 6th minute. Senegal settled quickly, started winning second balls, and built attacks with more patience. Pape Gueye levelled in the 29th with a powerful strike and scored again before half-time to flip the match. Senegal then added a third through Ibrahim Mbaye to close the door.

Sudan fought hard, but Senegal’s midfield control and finishing decided it. Best player: Pape Gueye, two goals and the clearest leadership in the key moments.

AFCON results today: quick scan of the round

The Round of 16 produced a clear pattern. Big teams that finished early chances avoided late chaos. Teams that stayed in one-goal games got dragged into extra time, penalties, and wild momentum swings. If you track AFCON results today for betting angles, focus on two signals: set-piece efficiency and late-game composure.

Best bookmakers for AFCON: Kenya betting angles

For Kenyan bettors, AFCON match analysis matters more than brand names. The knockout stage changes match tempo, card risk, and goal timing. Look for bookmakers that price African football consistently, offer strong live markets, and support fast local deposits and withdrawals. That combination is usually more valuable than a headline promo.

Use simple staking rules. Keep stakes flat across most matches, then increase only when you have a clear edge from lineups, travel context, and tactical matchup. In AFCON, late goals and extra time are common, so avoid overcommitting on early-match narratives.

Conclusion

These Africa Cup of Nations Results show a knockout phase where control is not enough on its own. Nigeria looked the most complete, Egypt leaned on experience, Cameroon converted chances with cold efficiency, and Morocco survived a disciplined underdog. Mali and Senegal proved that mentality and late execution can override long stretches of tension.

Kenyan football fans who want to bet smarter on AFCON should compare markets, odds formats, live options, and payout speed before the quarter-finals. The easiest way is to shortlist trusted operators from the Best sports betting sites in Kenya, then pick the book that fits your payment method and live-betting style. That approach saves time and reduces mistakes when matches go to extra time.