Overview
- Sixteen qualifiers from a 24-team field will play eight second-round matches over four days following 36 group games.
- Morocco, with fit-again Achraf Hakimi, face Tanzania as Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi share the scoring lead with Riyad Mahrez.
- Egypt meet Benin with Mohamed Salah back among the goals, while Nigeria take on Mozambique with Victor Osimhen leading the line.
- Senegal won Group D with Sadio Mane prominent as Sudan advanced despite not scoring, setting up their last-16 meeting.
- Algeria versus DR Congo is highlighted as a standout tie and the only matchup between European-coached sides, with Algeria and Nigeria the only teams to win all three group games.