Overview
- Mali advanced to the quarterfinals after a 1-1 draw with Tunisia in Casablanca and a 3-2 shootout win, setting up a meeting with Senegal.
- Mali finished regulation with 10 men, conceded late, equalized from the spot, and prevailed thanks to key saves by goalkeeper Djigui Diarra.
- The round of 16 runs January 3–6 with eight single-elimination ties, which go to extra time and then penalties if level after 90 minutes.
- Morocco, the host and unbeaten from the group stage, faces Tanzania, which progressed as a best third-place team under coach Miguel Ángel Gamondi.
- Claro Sports holds the rights in Latin America with select matches streamed free on its official YouTube channel, and CAF has confirmed AFCON will move to a four-year cycle from 2028.