Hakimi, Salah, Osimhen lead star-studded AFCON round of 16

Africa – (Special Correspondent / Web Desk) – A star-studded lineup featuring Achraf Hakimi, Mohamed Salah, and Victor Osimhen moves into the knockout stage starting Saturday, as the Africa Cup of Nations returns in Morocco. PSG’s Hakimi, recently named 2025 African Player of the Year, is joined by Liverpool’s Salah and Galatasaray’s Osimhen, who finished second and third, respectively. Following 36 matches across six groups, the remaining 16 teams will compete in eight thrilling second-round clashes over four days.

Fit-again Hakimi is set to lead title favourites Morocco against Tanzania, Salah will captain Egypt against Benin and Osimhen-inspired Nigeria tackle Mozambique.

AFP Sport looks at the match-ups that will determine which nations advance to the quarter-finals, and move one step closer to a record $10 million (8.5 million euros) first prize.

Veteran Sadio Mane and Paris Saint-Germain’s 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye, in two appearances off the bench, have been amongst the stars as 2022 champions Senegal confirmed why they are amongst the favourites by winning Group D. Sudan, representing a country ravaged by civil war since 2023, reached the second round despite their players failing to score. Their only Group F win, against Equatorial Guinea, came via an own goal.

“If we carry on playing like this we will not go much further,” warned Belgium-born Mali coach Tom Saintfiet after three Group A draws, although his team did well to hold Morocco. Tunisia were woeful against Nigeria until they trailed by three goals. The Carthage Eagles then scored twice and came close to equalising.

Pakistan reaffirms support for Saudi security amid rising Yemen tensions

A mismatch on paper as Morocco, whose only previous title came 50 years ago, are 101 places above Tanzania in the world rankings. The east Africans ended a 45-year wait to get past the first round thanks to two draws. Morocco boast a potent strike force of Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid and Ayoub El Kaabi of Olympiacos. They have scored three goals each to share the Golden Boot lead with Algerian Riyad Mahrez.

South Africa debuted in the AFCON 30 years ago by hammering Cameroon 3-0 in Johannesburg. It should be much closer when they meet a second time with only four places separating them in the world rankings. In pursuit of goals, South Africa will look to Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster while 19-year-old Christian Kofane struck a stunning match-winner for Cameroon against Mozambique.

Struggling to score for Liverpool this season, Salah has regained his appetite for goals in southern Morocco. He claimed match-winners against Zimbabwe and South Africa as Egypt won Group B. Benin celebrated their first AFCON win 25 years after debuting by edging Botswana. The Cheetahs are a compact, spirited outfit led by veteran striker Steve Mounie, but lack punch up front.

Livewire Osimhen is a huge aerial threat and could have scored hat-tricks against Tanzania and Tunisia in Group C, but managed just one goal. Fellow former African player of the year Ademola Lookman has also impressed. Mozambique lost 3-0 in their previous AFCON meeting with the Super Eagles 16 years ago. It is likely to be tighter this time with striker Geny Catamo posing a threat for the Mambas (snakes).

Pakistan inflation slows to 5.6 percent in December nationwide trends

The clash of two former champions is potentially the match of the round. It is the only tie involving two European coaches — Bosnian Vladimir Petkovic and Frenchman Sebastien Desabre. Algeria and Nigeria were the only teams to win all three group matches. Former Manchester City winger Mahrez has been an inspirational captain while scoring three times.

This is the only match featuring nations from the same region. Burkina Faso and defending champions Ivory Coast share a border in West Africa. Manchester United winger Amad Diallo was the only winner of two player-of-the-match awards in the group stage. The Ivorian now faces impressive Burkinabe defenders Edmond Tapsoba and Issoufou Dayo.