Overview
- The bracket features standout ties including Algeria vs DR Congo, South Africa vs Cameroon, and Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso across venues in Tangier, Rabat, Fez, Agadir and Marrakech.
- Hosts Morocco face Tanzania in Rabat with fit-again Achraf Hakimi expected to lead the top-ranked Atlas Lions.
- Nigeria, perfect in the group stage, take on Mozambique in Fez after the Mambas advanced as one of the best third-placed teams.
- Cameroon secured second in Group F with a 2-1 win over Mozambique, while Ivory Coast topped the group on goals scored after a 3-2 comeback against Gabon.
- Underdogs Tanzania, Mozambique and Sudan progressed to the knockouts, with Sudan’s achievement coming despite major disruptions from the war at home.