Hakimi, Salah, Osimhen Lead Star-Studded AFCON Last-16 Line-Up

A galaxy of African football stars led by Achraf Hakimi, Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen will take centre stage from Saturday as the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco enters the knockout phase.

Paris Saint-Germain defender Hakimi, crowned 2025 African Player of the Year in November, headlines the last-16 cast. Liverpool forward Salah and Galatasaray striker Osimhen finished as runners-up for the prestigious award.

Following 36 group-stage matches across six groups, 16 teams remain from the original 24 contenders. They will battle in eight second-round fixtures spread over four days, with a place in the quarter-finals — and a step closer to the record $10 million (€8.5 million) first prize — at stake.

Fit-again Hakimi is expected to marshal tournament favourites Morocco against Tanzania, Salah will captain Egypt in their clash with Benin, while Osimhen leads Nigeria against Mozambique.

AFP Sport reviews the match-ups that will decide who advances.

Senegal v Sudan
Veteran forward Sadio Mane and Paris Saint-Germain’s 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye, who has made two substitute appearances, have been among the standout performers as 2022 champions Senegal topped Group D. Sudan, representing a nation devastated by civil war since 2023, progressed despite failing to score a goal. Their sole Group F victory against Equatorial Guinea came via an own goal.

Mali v Tunisia
“If we carry on playing like this we will not go much further,” warned Mali coach Tom Saintfiet after his side recorded three draws in Group A, although they impressed by holding Morocco. Tunisia struggled badly against Nigeria before going three goals down, then rallied with two goals and narrowly missed an equaliser.

Morocco v Tanzania
This fixture appears one-sided on paper, with Morocco — whose only AFCON title came 50 years ago — ranked 101 places above Tanzania. The East Africans reached the knockout stage for the first time in 45 years after two draws. Morocco’s attack boasts Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz and Olympiacos striker Ayoub El Kaabi, both joint top scorers with three goals alongside Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez.

South Africa v Cameroon
South Africa made their AFCON debut 30 years ago with a 3-0 thrashing of Cameroon in Johannesburg. The rematch should be much tighter, with just four places separating the teams in the world rankings. South Africa will look to Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster for goals, while 19-year-old Christian Kofane scored a sensational winner for Cameroon against Mozambique.

Egypt v Benin
After struggling for goals at Liverpool this season, Salah has rediscovered his scoring touch in southern Morocco, netting match-winners against Zimbabwe and South Africa as Egypt topped Group B. Benin claimed their first AFCON victory since debuting 25 years ago by edging Botswana. The Cheetahs, led by experienced striker Steve Mounie, are compact and spirited but lack cutting edge.

Nigeria v Mozambique
Osimhen’s aerial prowess troubled defences throughout Group C, where he could have scored hat-tricks against Tanzania and Tunisia but found the net only once. Former African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman has also impressed. Mozambique were beaten 3-0 by Nigeria in their last AFCON meeting 16 years ago, but this encounter may be closer, with Geny Catamo posing a threat for the Mambas.

Algeria v DR Congo
A clash of former champions, this fixture is arguably the tie of the round. It is the only match featuring two European coaches — Bosnia’s Vladimir Petkovic and France’s Sebastien Desabre. Algeria were among only two teams, alongside Nigeria, to win all three group matches. Captain Riyad Mahrez has inspired the side, scoring three goals.

Ivory Coast v Burkina Faso
The only last-16 match between neighbouring countries pits defending champions Ivory Coast against Burkina Faso. Manchester United winger Amad Diallo was the sole player to win two player-of-the-match awards in the group stage. He now faces a stern test against Burkinabe defenders Edmond Tapsoba and Issoufou Dayo.

Opinion Nigeria News