Wayne Lumbasi
The Africa Cup of Nations delivered another thrilling day of knockout football on Sunday as the Round of 16 intensified, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. Across stadiums in Morocco, the drama, skill, and tension of Africa’s premier football tournament were on full display.
Hosts Morocco continued to assert themselves as serious title contenders, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tanzania in Rabat. The decisive moment came when Brahim Diaz calmly slotted home after a well-worked move, sending the home crowd into raptures. Tanzania battled valiantly, creating chances and testing Morocco’s defense, but the Atlas Lions’ composure and tactical discipline ensured they progressed comfortably into the quarter-finals.
Elsewhere, Cameroon overcame a spirited South Africa 2-1 in a match packed with intensity. The Indomitable Lions struck first through Junior Tchamadeu before Christian Kofane doubled their lead in the second half. South Africa’s Evidence Makgopa pulled one back late, sparking tense final minutes, but Cameroon held firm, booking their own spot in the last eight and setting up a tantalising clash against Morocco in the next round.
Earlier in the knockout phase, Senegal became the first team to seal a quarter-final place with a commanding 3-1 win over Sudan, demonstrating attacking flair and depth across the squad. Meanwhile, Mali survived a tense encounter with Tunisia, advancing on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time, showcasing nerves of steel and resilience under pressure.
With these results, the first four quarter-finalists are now confirmed: Morocco, Cameroon, Senegal, and Mali. Each of these sides has shown a mix of talent, determination, and tactical intelligence, and all eyes will now turn to the remaining Round of 16 matches that will determine the other four quarter-finalists.
As the tournament moves deeper into the knockout stages, the stakes rise with every match. For Morocco, Cameroon, Senegal, and Mali, the next challenge is clear: one step closer to lifting the coveted AFCON trophy. The tension, drama, and unforgettable moments of this tournament show no sign of slowing, and fans across Africa are bracing for the next chapter of this enthralling competition.
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