RABAT – MONDAY’S Africa Cup of Nations action delivered decisive outcomes in several groups, culminating in a set of teams advancing to the Round of 16 and setting the knockout stage into motion.
Hosts Morocco reinforced their credentials as tournament favourites with a commanding 3–0 victory over Zambia in their final Group A game.
Ayoub El Kaabi scored twice and Brahim Díaz added a third, ensuring Morocco topped the group with seven points and advanced comfortably to the knockout rounds.
In Group B, Egypt sealed top spot with a 0–0 draw against Angola. Already assured of progression before kick‑off, the Pharaohs made several changes to their starting XI, resting star players like Mohamed Salah while still remaining unbeaten on seven points.
South Africa booked their place in the last 16 with a thrilling 3–2 win over Zimbabwe in Marrakech. Bafana Bafana twice regained the lead before a late penalty from Oswin Appollis sealed the crucial victory.
The win gave South Africa six points and the second qualification spot in Group B, while Zimbabwe exited the tournament with one point.
Angola’s goalless draw with Egypt left them on two points and eliminated from the competition.
Elsewhere in Group A, Mali progressed alongside Morocco after securing a 0–0 draw with Comoros, completing the lineup of qualifiers from that section of the draw.
With the group stage concluding for these teams, matchups for the Round of 16 begin taking shape. Based on CAF’s typical bracket structure:
Morocco is expected to face one of the best third‑placed teams from another group, given their position as a group winner.
Egypt, as Group B winners, will also likely face a third‑place qualifier, a draw that could test their depth but should be favourable given their unbeaten run.
South Africa, finishing second, are slated to meet a Group F runner‑up such as Cameroon or Ivory Coast, both historically strong opponents.
Mali will face a tough pairing with a top‑seeded side from another group, likely one of the North or West African giants.
Additional teams like Algeria and Nigeria had already confirmed their places earlier in the tournament and remain contenders as the knockout stage unfolds.
Together with other group winners such as Senegal and Côte d’Ivoir, they form a deep field in contention for the title.
Analysts highlight Morocco as a leading favourite given their home advantage, attacking prowess, and consistent performances through the group stage. Their balanced squad and ability to control games position them as a strong contender.
Egypt’s tactical discipline and unbeaten record also make them a formidable opponent, especially if Mohamed Salah returns to the starting lineup in later rounds.
Teams like Algeria and Nigeria, boasting depth and recent form, could disrupt expectations, particularly if they navigate favourable draws.
South Africa, though spirited and resilient, will need to tighten defensively to make a deeper run against traditional powerhouses.
While the knockout stages are inherently unpredictable, Morocco and Egypt emerge as early favourites to contest the 2025/26 Africa Cup of Nations final, with either side possessing the tactical acumen and squad depth necessary to lift the trophy.
– CAJ News
