The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is heating up. In Group A, Morocco confirmed their status as favorites and secured first place in the group by beating Zambia 3-0 in Rabat, guaranteeing their qualification for the round of 16.

Morocco's victory over Zambia practically handed Mozambique a place in the Round of 16, at least as one of the best third-placed teams in the group stage. The ranking of the best third-placed teams is notorious for driving anyone to the brink of madness, with calculations made and unmade depending on the odds and results.

Since Botswana (Group D), Equatorial Guinea (Group E), and Gabon (Group F) were already eliminated before the final matchday, it was necessary to wait for the results of Uganda-Nigeria and Tanzania-Tunisia to know all 16 teams that qualified for the Round of 16.

After Uganda lost any hope of an upset, conceding a goal to Nigeria in the 28th minute and being reduced to ten men in the second half, only two teams remained with a chance to secure the last spot.

With the equalizing goal scored in the 48th minute against Tunisia, Feisal Salum eliminated any chance of Angola qualifying. Having scored one more goal than the Palancas Negras, Tanzania secured qualification by holding on to the draw. Only a victory for the Aigles de Carthage would have allowed Angola to qualify.

Taifa Stars held on until the end (1-1) and qualified for the first time in their history. The full schedule of matches will be announced on Wednesday night. The first two matches of the round of 16 of this 2025 Africa Cup of Nations are Mali vs. Tunisia and Morocco vs. Tanzania.

The 16 Qualified Teams

Group A: Morocco, Mali

Group B: Egypt, South Africa

Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Tanzania

Group D: Senegal, DRC, Benin

Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Sudan

Group F: Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Mozambique