As the knockout rounds approach in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), the prominent teams have showcased their dominance in the group stages.

Algeria and Nigeria triumphed in all three matches, Mohamed Salah propelled Egypt to a solid seven-point haul, and Achraf Hakimi’s return has reinstated Morocco to an unbeaten run.

However, several teams are eager to create surprises as they advance to the last 16.

As the tournament escalates, let’s explore some of the significant highlights from this 35th edition.

Unlike the previous tournament where Algeria, Tunisia, and Ghana did not advance, all twelve top-ranked nations have successfully moved forward this time.

Along with Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, and Ivory Coast were also group champions, with Mahrez leading the scoring chart thanks to three goals.

The tournament saw a delightful surprise as Mozambique finally secured their first victory at the Afcon finals by defeating Gabon after 17 matches.

In response to Gabon’s dismal performance, the government took drastic measures including firing the coach, suspending players, and banning striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Sudan, the second-lowest ranked team in the tournament, made it to the knockout rounds despite facing challenges during the qualifiers due to their country’s ongoing civil conflict. They achieved this by defeating Equatorial Guinea, marking their return to the second round for only the second time since their triumph in 1970.

Mozambique isn’t the only nation making their knockout stage debut.

Tanzania, still searching for their first win since their 1980 debut, will face Morocco in Rabat after qualifying with just two points.

No third-placed team had previously advanced with fewer than three points since the tournament expanded to 24 teams in 2019, but the Taifa Stars managed this feat by securing a draw against Tunisia.

Having participated in the finals for the fifth time, Benin succeeded in previous outings, including a memorable penalty shootout win against Morocco in the last 16 in 2019.

In this tournament, the Cheetahs finally broke their 15-match wait for a victory at Afcon, achieving this in regulation time, and will face Egypt in Agadir.

Salah has scored two goals in the group stage, equaling his highest total in Afcon history, even though both he and Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush were rested during their goalless draw against Angola.

While not at his peak performance, Salah’s critical goals included a stunning last-minute winner against Zimbabwe and a penalty that secured Egypt’s win over South Africa while they were down to ten men.

After a challenging start with Liverpool this season, Salah looks to build on his track record of two goals and an assist in eight knockout matches.

Hakimi returned from injury as a substitute in Morocco’s last match against Zambia but there are still concerns regarding his readiness to participate in full matches.

While coach Walid Regragui acknowledges Hakimi’s immense quality, he also pointed out the rigorous demands required from players in his system, indicating uncertainty about Hakimi’s capacity to match this intensity as he recovers from an ankle injury.

Regragui extended his gratitude to Paris St-Germain for permitting Hakimi to join the national team ahead of schedule and trusting their medical staff, and he lauded Noussair Mazraoui of Manchester United and Mohamed Chibi of Pyramids for their performances in filling the right-back role.

While Hakimi remains a pivotal figure behind the scenes, it remains to be seen if he can make a noticeable impact on the pitch against Tanzania.

Having bested Nigeria and Cameroon in the World Cup playoff matches, DR Congo secured a draw against Afcon 2021 champions Senegal in Group D, but now face a formidable Algerian side.

Sami Trabelsi, coaching Tunisia, hopes to replicate his 1996 final appearance as a player. His squad has had a mixed performance thus far, decisively defeating Uganda, almost staging a comeback against Nigeria, and drawing with Tanzania.

Newly appointed Cameroon manager David Pagou has a wealth of attacking talent at his disposal, with Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo assisting Karl Etta Eyong’s goal and 19-year-old Christian Kofane scoring a spectacular winner against Mozambique.

Mali’s coach Tom Saintfiet has advised his unbeaten team to improve, despite achieving draws including one against Morocco, thanks to Lassine Sinayoko’s impressive performance with five goals in the last eight Afcon matches.

Before each tournament, there are always promises of “the best Afcon ever” from organizers.

While the verdict is still out on whether Morocco 2025 has achieved that claim, it has undeniably made a strong case for being the wettest tournament in its history.

Camera coverage frequently shows players battling through torrential rain, which starkly contrasts the tropical conditions that have often posed challenges during earlier tournaments.

Although there was a brief reprieve from the downpours, further rain is expected on all four days designated for the last 16 matchups, potentially challenging the resilience of fans.

Stadiums for games not involving the host team have been less crowded, but the facilities have proven impressive, with pitches effectively handling the rain without any problems.

While this Afcon may not be considered a dry run, Morocco’s substantial investments in upgrading and constructing stadiums in anticipation of co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal have shown fruitful results early on.