After 36 matches spread across six groups, the 16 survivors from 24 hopefuls clash in eight second-round matches over four days. Fit-again Hakimi is set to lead title favourites Morocco against Tanzania, Salah will captain Egypt against Benin, and Osimhen-inspired Nigeria tackle Mozambique. Morocco v TanzaniaA mismatch on paper as Morocco, whose only previous title came 50 years ago, are 101 places above Tanzania in the world rankings. South Africa v CameroonSouth Africa debuted in the AFCON 30 years ago by hammering Cameroon 3-0 in Johannesburg. Nigeria v MozambiqueLivewire Osimhen is a huge aerial threat and could have scored hat-tricks against Tanzania and Tunisia in Group C, but managed just one goal.

Source: Punch January 01, 2026 16:20 UTC