After an absorbing group stage, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations moves into the knockout phase, with eight Round of 16 fixtures spread across four days.
With fine margins expected to define many of these contests, MRFixtips has identified the most reliable betting angles from each tie.
Senegal vs Sudan: Saturday, January 3 – 16:00
Senegal topped Group D with commanding victories over Botswana and Benin, either side of a draw with DR Congo. The Lions of Teranga are enjoying a strong run, winning eight of their last 10 matches, and will be looking to avoid a repeat of their Round of 16 exit from the previous edition. Sudan, meanwhile, progressed as one of the best third-placed sides.
While Senegal should dictate proceedings, AFCON trends point towards late action. Eight of their last 10 knockout matches at this tournament produced more goals after the break, while Sudan have conceded beyond the 70th minute in each of their last five outings.
Recommended bet:
- More goals in the second half – 11/10 (Ladbrokes)
Mali vs Tunisia: Saturday, January 3 – 19:00
Mali and Tunisia face off after both finished second in their respective groups. The West African nation drew all three group matches, while the Carthage Eagles recorded one win, one draw and one defeat.
Goals at both ends look likely based on recent trends. Eight of Tunisia’s last 10 internationals have seen both sides find the net, while three of Mali’s last five followed the same pattern.
Recommended bet:
- Both teams to score – 5/4 (Ladbrokes)
Morocco vs Tanzania: Sunday, January 4 – 16:00
Morocco strengthened their credentials as tournament favourites by finishing top of Group A with two wins and a draw, as they continue their hunt for a first AFCON title in over 50 years.
They face a Tanzania side making their first knockout appearance in nearly five decades, and the quality gap could show.
One of Morocco’s standout performers has been Brahim Diaz, who has found the net in all three group matches and is averaging 2.6 shots on target per 90 minutes.
Recommended bet:
- Brahim Diaz 2+ shots on target – 10/9 (Betano)
South Africa vs Cameroon: Sunday, January 4 – 19:00
South Africa booked their place in the knockouts with wins over Angola and Zimbabwe, suffering their only defeat against Egypt. Cameroon progressed unbeaten but had to settle for second place behind Ivory Coast in Group F.
While Bafana Bafana have shown attacking intent, Cameroon’s disciplined approach could shape a cagey encounter. Six of the Indomitable Lions’s last seven matches have produced under 2.5 goals, and with both sides likely to prioritise control, this trend looks set to continue.
Recommended bet:
- Under 2.5 goals – 4/7 (Betano)
Egypt vs Benin: Monday, January 5 – 16:00
Egypt and the Republic of Benin meet on Monday with a place in the quarter-finals at stake. The Pharaohs topped Group B with two wins and a draw, while the Cheetahs advanced as one of the best third-placed sides after recording one victory and two defeats in Group D.
Egypt head into this clash as clear favourites and history also leans in their favour. They have won three of the last four meetings between the sides, with each of those victories producing at least two goals, a trend that could resurface here.
Recommended bet:Egypt win and over 1.5 goals – 19/20 (Ladbrokes)
Nigeria vs Mozambique: Monday, January 5 – 19:00
Nigeria arrive with momentum after winning all three group matches to top Group C, as they chase continental success following their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Mozambique have already made history by winning their first-ever AFCON match and reaching the knockouts for the first time, but this represents a significant step up in class.
Nigeria have won four of the last five meetings between the sides, with the most recent three producing multiple goals. Given that all three of Nigeria’s group games followed the same pattern, a similar outcome is expected.
Recommended bet:
- Nigeria win and over 1.5 goals – 7/10 (Ladbrokes)
Algeria vs DR Congo: Tuesday, January 6 – 16:00
Algeria progressed with a perfect group-stage record, while DR Congo finished runners-up in Group D. This promises to be competitive, but history points towards a controlled affair.
Algeria are unbeaten in the last five meetings between the sides, all of which produced under 3.5 goals. With caution likely to dominate, that trend looks reliable again.
Recommended bet:
- Algeria win or draw and under 3.5 goals – 1/2 (Betano)
Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso: Tuesday, January 6 – 19:00
Ivory Coast edged Cameroon to top spot in Group F on goals scored, while Burkina Faso finished second in Group E after winning two of their three matches.
The corner market stands out here, given that the Elephants recorded over 9.5 corners in all three group games, while the Stallions averaged 10 corners per match during the same phase.
Recommended bet:
- Over 8.5 corners – 19/20 (Betano)
Adeyeye Oluwapelumi is a sports writer with more than four years’ experience covering football and other global sports. A lifelong Arsenal supporter since 2004, he writes with genuine passion and a sharp eye for the stories that shape the game.
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