All the group-stage matches of the Africa Cup of Nations have concluded, setting the stage for the first round of playoffs. The best performers from the pools—teams representing Cameroon, Angola, Senegal, Mauritania, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Cape Verde, Morocco, South Africa, Mali, Egypt, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Ivory Coast—earned the top spots and advanced. The initial playoff ties are scheduled to take place between January 27 and 30, delivering the next chapter in a tournament that keeps delivering drama to fans across the continent and beyond.
From the 1/8 final lineup, the matchups are as follows: Nigeria versus Cameroon; Angola versus Namibia; Cape Verde versus Mauritania; Morocco versus South Africa; Mali versus Burkina Faso; Senegal versus Ivory Coast; Egypt versus the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and Equatorial Guinea against Guinea. These ties promise a mix of familiar rivalries and fresh clashes, highlighting the region’s depth of talent and tactical variety.
The Africa Cup of Nations kicked off on January 13 and will conclude with the final on February 11, bringing a compact schedule that keeps the action continuous for teams, fans, and broadcasters. The event’s calendar was originally set for 2023 but was moved to 2024 due to weather-related concerns, a decision that reflected the federation’s commitment to ensuring safe and fair competition. The most recent edition on record prior to this cycle saw Senegal crowned champions, underscoring the strength of West African football and its emerging powerhouses across the continent.
In other recent developments, Barcelona recently exited the Spanish Cup, a reminder that breaking the big moments in football often happens quickly and with unexpected turns across leagues and tournaments. This pause in club competition helps national teams refocus on the AFCON stage, where players bring form, fitness, and high-stakes experience to their national colors. [Source: CAF]