By Kunle Solaja.

No fewer than 11 former champions are among the 16 teams still standing at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, underlining how decisively pedigree and experience have shaped the knockout bracket of this year’s tournament.

After group-stage action concluded on Wednesday, only one previous winner — Zambia — failed to survive the first hurdle. The rest of Africa’s royalty marched on, ensuring that the race for the continental crown will now be fought largely among familiar heavyweights rather than surprise packages.

The outcome contrasts sharply with recent editions, where giant-killings and shock finalists became the norm. In Morocco 2025, form has largely prevailed, assembling a last-16 cast dominated by champions past and present.

Only Mozambique and Tanzania are experiencing the knockout rounds for the first time, advancing as two of the best third-placed teams, while Sudan have reached this stage for just the second time since lifting the trophy in 1970.

Beyond that trio, the field is stacked with experience: Africa’s top 12-ranked teams are all through, including seven nations already bound for the World Cup later this year.

The knockout phase begins on Saturday in Tangier with second-ranked Senegal facing Sudan. Senegal topped their group only on goal difference ahead of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and will have to navigate the tie without suspended captain Kalidou Koulibaly. Even so, their squad depth mirrors that of several other title contenders who were able to rotate players after sealing qualification early.

Tournament hosts Morocco enter the knockout rounds carrying both momentum and expectation. A convincing 3–0 win over Zambia in their final group match eased concerns after two nervy performances and restored belief among home supporters.

Ranked number one in Africa and semi-finalists at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Morocco have long been viewed as favourites. Coach Walid Regragui acknowledged the heightened stakes ahead of Sunday’s Round-of-16 clash with Tanzania in Rabat.

“From now on, every game is a cup final,” he reportedly said.

Only two teams completed the group stage with perfect records — Nigeria and Algeria. Nigeria are widely expected to progress against Mozambique on Monday, but it is Algeria’s meeting with DR Congo on Tuesday in Rabat that has already captured the imagination.

The tie pits two former champions with contrasting styles and ambitions, and is widely regarded as the most intriguing fixture of the Round of 16.

“It’s going to be a big match,” said Algeria defender Mehdi Dorval after Wednesday’s win over Equatorial Guinea. “The key will be mental, because they are a big team and so are we.”

With 11 past winners still in contention, the Africa Cup of Nations has reached a decisive phase where history, depth and nerve may prove just as important as flair — and where every remaining match carries the weight of champions past and present.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

As the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 drew to a close on Wednesday night, the tournament delivered not only drama and qualification battles but also moments of history. 

Among the standout storylines was the remarkable longevity of two seasoned forwards, whose goals ensured that age once again proved no barrier on Africa’s biggest stage.

With youthful talents grabbing headlines across the competition, experience also had its moment. Goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Emilio Nsue during the group phase placed both players among the oldest scorers in Africa Cup of Nations history.

Their strikes came in contrasting circumstances, but together they underlined the enduring value of composure, movement and game intelligence at the highest level.

The AFCON has long been a tournament where experience can rival youth, and this edition has been no different. From decisive late goals to moments of leadership under pressure, veteran players have continued to influence matches in decisive ways.

Aubameyang and Nsue’s inclusion in an exclusive historical ranking now places them alongside some of the most iconic names the competition has ever produced.

Their achievements also offer perspective on longevity in African football, where careers often stretch across multiple eras of the tournament.

With the group stage concluded and knockout football looming, their goals will be remembered not just for their immediate impact, but for what they represent in the wider story of the AFCON.

The oldest goalscorers in AFCON history

Hossam Hassan – 39 years, 5 months

The record remains firmly held by Egypt legend Hossam Hassan, who became the oldest goalscorer in AFCON history at the 2006 tournament when he scored against DR Congo in their 4-1 win over the Leopards in the quarter-finals.

His longevity and leadership helped Egypt secure continental glory that year and set a benchmark that has stood for decades.

Hassan is now the coach of Egypt at the ongoing tournament in Morocco.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 36 years, 6 months

Aubameyang moved into second place on the list after scoring for Gabon in their dramatic 3-2 defeat to Mozambique.

The goal came deep into first-half stoppage time, a classic poacher’s finish that showcased his instinct and timing.

At 36 years and six months, the former African Footballer of the Year once again demonstrated his enduring relevance on the continental stage.

Even though his Gabon side will not be playing in the knock-out stage of the competition has left a strong mark on the competition.

Kalusha Bwalya – 36 years, 5 months

Zambia icon Kalusha Bwalya previously occupied second place, having scored at the 2000 AFCON during their match against Senegal.

Bwalya converted a penalty in the 87^th minute to help his side to Senegal to a 2-2 draw in the match played in Lagos.

His goal remains one of the defining examples of longevity in African football, achieved by a player widely regarded as one of the continent’s greatest-ever forwards.

Emilio Nsue – 36 years, 3 months

Nsue joined the elite list after finding the net in Equatorial Guinea’s 3-1 loss to Algeria on Wednesday. 

While the result ended his side’s campaign, the goal ensured his place in AFCON history, rewarding a player who has been a consistent presence for his country across multiple tournament cycles.

As the knockout stage approaches, the presence of Aubameyang and Nsue in this historic ranking serves as a reminder that, at the Africa Cup of Nations, experience remains a powerful currency.

-Cafonline

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

By Kunle Solaja

The Africa Cup of Nations could serve up another high-stakes showdown between Nigeria and DR Congo, rekindling a rivalry that recently left Nigerian fans with bitter memories.

Nigeria will take on Mozambique national football team on Monday in Fez, while DR Congo face Algeria national football team on Tuesday in Rabat. Victories for both sides would set up a quarter-final showdown in Marrakech on January 10.

The fixture would echo their tense encounter last November in Rabat during the final CAF playoff for the World Cup. That clash ended 1–1 after extra time, forcing a penalty shootout in which DR Congo triumphed.

Nigeria, however, has not let the matter rest. The Nigerian Football Federation is contesting the eligibility of some DR Congo players from that playoff, a dispute that could add extra spice to any potential rematch.

With both teams carrying the weight of history and national pride, fans across Africa are bracing for what could be another dramatic chapter in this growing rivalry.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H