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What Happens If an AFCON 2025 Round of 16 Match Ends in a Draw?
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 has reached the knockout stage, where teams will look to keep progressing in pursuit of continental glory. At this stage, it’s important to note that matches can go beyond regulation time and may even be decided by a penalty shootout.
Are there penalty shootouts in the AFCON 2025 Round of 16?
Here’s how it works in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 knockout stage:
- If the match is tied after 90 minutes, it goes to extra time (two 15-minute halves).
- If the score is still level after 120 minutes, the game is decided by a penalty shootout.
- There are no replays at any stage of the knockout rounds.
This format applies not only to the Round of 16, but also to the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final.
AFCON 2025 reaches knockout stage: Full Round of 16 fixtures, dates, stars and how to watch
The CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 has entered the knockout stage, with 16 teams advancing from the original 24 to battle for Africa’s most prestigious international trophy.
Teams qualified for the AFCON 2025 Round of 16
Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa, Burkina Faso, Sudan, Tunisia, DR Congo, Benin, Mali, Tanzania, and Mozambique.
Several of the continent’s biggest stars remain in contention for their first AFCON title, including Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, Victor Osimhen, Achraf Hakimi, Bryan Mbeumo, and Amad Diallo.
Meanwhile, notable eliminations include Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon) and Patson Daka, who exit at the group stage and return to club football.
AFCON 2025 Round of 16 fixtures and kick-off times
Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026
- Senegal vs Sudan (Ibn Batouta Stadium, Tangier)
- Mali vs Tunisia (Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca)
Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026
- Morocco vs Tanzania – 17:00 (Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat)
- South Africa vs Cameroon – 20:00 (Al Barid Stadium, Rabat)
Monday, Jan. 5, 2026
- Egypt vs Benin (Adrar Stadium, Agadir)
- Nigeria vs Mozambique (Fez Stadium, Fez)
Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026
- Algeria vs DR Congo (Moulay Hassan Stadium, Rabat)
- Côte d’Ivoire vs Burkina Faso (Marrakesh Stadium, Marrakesh)
Key storylines to watch in the Round of 16
- Senegal vs Sudan: The Teranga Lions look to avoid another early exit, while Sudan reach the AFCON knockouts for the first time since 2012 — without scoring a goal from open play.
- Morocco vs Tanzania: Hosts Morocco seek a statement win as Tanzania reach the knockout stage for the first time in 45 years.
- Nigeria vs Mozambique: Nigeria arrive with the tournament’s most lethal attack, scoring eight goals in three matches.
- Algeria vs DR Congo: One of the most intriguing ties, featuring two in-form teams with a potential quarterfinal clash against Nigeria looming.
- Côte d’Ivoire vs Burkina Faso: Defending champions face the “champions’ curse,” with no titleholder advancing past the Round of 16 since 2010.
How to watch AFCON 2025 live
All AFCON 2025 Round of 16 matches will be broadcast live on TV and digital platforms via beIN SPORTS, with full coverage available across multiple regions.
