These power rankings are based solely on the performances thus far in the group stage. The Super Eagles have been the best team in the three games played, even though Tunisia gave them a good run for their money. Here are my rankings of the last 16 teams left in the AFCON 2025.
1. Nigeria
The Super Eagles have won all three games thus far and could go all out due to their potential attack. With Osimhen, Lookman, and Adams invariably making life difficult for their opponents, Onuachu, Chukueze and Simon are great back-ups that could start for most of their competitors, arguably. Nigeria came into the tournament wounded after failing to beat D.R. Congo in the final play-off of the qualifiers, and is now showing its anger for failing to deliver. They were so good in the first 70 minutes against Tunisia, but lost focus, allowing the Carthage Eagles to nearly bounce back.
2. Algeria
Algeria look so great under Vladimir Petkovic. The Fenec Foxes won all games in the group and are very confident of staying long in Morocco. Led by Riyad Mahrez, the master, Algeria have not been tested much by any opponent, with Burkina Faso the only team to have threatened them. With Zinedine Zidane in the stands, his presence has been a blessing, and they will be ready to make the legendary former Real Madrid boss proud. Together with Nigeria, they are the only teams to have won all games in the group stages. Their defence has proved to be on top after conceding just one goal.
3. Morocco
The Atlas Lions’ 2-0 win over Comoros was difficult but convincing as Ayoub El Kaabi’s stunning scissor kick stole the headline. The talking around the team was all about El Kaabi’s goal, but Morocco showed that they are the overwhelming favourites. Morocco’s performance against the Eagles of Mali was not up to the standard, but they faced a team with a different playing style and immense quality. Tom Sanfiet had hinted at not parking the bus and duly did that. Teams will certainly take a clue from how to face Morocco from their 1-1 draw against Mali, the only game they failed to win in the entire 2025. The performance in the final game against Zambia was exciting. Ayoub El Kaabi and Brahim Diaz have formed a solid partnership, with both players scoring in the 3-0 win over the Chipolopolo of Zambia.
4. Senegal
Pape Thiaw has been enjoying success since taking over from Aliou Cisse as the head coach of Senegal in 2024. With veterans like Mane, Koulibaly, Iddrisa Gana Gueye, Edouard Mendy, and Ismaila Sarr still putting up great performances, it is no surprise that they remain unbeaten. With two 3-0 wins and a hard-fought draw against D.R Congo, Senegal sits fourth as the best-performing team in the group stage. Ibrahim Mbaye has developed a knack for changing games for the Terranga Lions at only 17 years, and he is expected to re-energise them in the knockout stage.
5. Egypt
The Pharaohs of Egypt look like a good side under Hossam Hassan. The former Egyptian striker who scored both goals in the Pharaohs’ 2-0 win in 1998 against Burkina Faso in the semi-finals of the AFCON has transformed the team, having qualified them for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The fluidity in their attack is awesome as Mohamed Salah, Mohamed Trezeguet and Omar Marmoush have posed much danger to their opponents. Marmoush’s goal against Zimbabwe was exquisite. The team’s solidity and commitment against South Africa when they went down to 10 men must be praised. With Hassan’s preferred 11 benched against Zimbabwe, his second team managed to draw against Angola, signalling the strength in depth of the Pharaoh’s squad.
6. D.R. Congo
All credit goes out to Sebastian Desabre after bringing back the Leopards to the big table of African football. D.R. Congo drew 1-1 with Senegal and looked terrific in every department of their team. A 1-0 win over Benin and a 3-0 smashing of Botswana helped Desabre’s side continue with their fine form in the group stage. With seven points won accompanied by fine performances, D.R. Congo have proved to be the biggest dark horse, and no one must underrate them because they have the men to punish anyone throughout the entire 90 minutes.
7. Ivory Coast
Emerse Fae remains optismistic Ivory Coast can defend the title they won back home in 2023. With new faces in attack being supported by the midfield trio of Kesse, Sangare and Fofana, who dominated the 2023 AFCON, the Elephants won two games and drew one in the group. After going down 2-0 against Gabon, the Ivory Coast bounced back to show its fighting spirit. The Ivorians have Amad Diallo, who has stepped up at the right time in attack alongside the veteran Zaha and the talented youngster Diomande to rely on. On paper, they have the best centre-backs, but have conceded enough goals – Fae must strengthen his defence to stand any chance of going far in Morocco.
8. Cameroon
David Pagou has shocked many people after being able to organise the beleaguered Cameroon well. The Indomitable Lions had many issues in their camp ahead of the competition after Marc Brys was sacked, with first team players Onana and Aboubakar being left out of the list to Morocco. Many expected them to have a disastrous tournament, but they have shaken off all the brouhaha and are playing beyond everyone’s expectations. Cameroon have recorded two wins and a draw in the three games they played. Mbeumo and Baleba have shown their class by doing the business for the Indomitable Lions.
9. Burkina Faso
Burkina defeated Equatorial Guinea 2-1 in grand style before losing 1-0 to Riyad Mahrez’s penalty in their second game of the group. They secured their place in the Round 16 with a 2-0 victory over Sudan to record their second win of the competition. The Stallions have performed much to their strength and have the talent to shock whoever they face in the knockout stage.
10. South Africa
Bafana Bafana failed to beat 10-man Egypt in the second game of the group. Hugo Broos’ side lost to a Salah’s contentious penalty in the first half. They had defeated Angola before that defeat and ended the group stage with a 3-2 win over Zimbabwe. South Africa have not looked so good as in the 2023 edition, but still have a great core and coach to rely on in the knockout stage.
11. Tunisia
Tunisia ended the group with four points after drawing 1-1 against Tanzania in their final game. The Carthage Eagles’ performance against Nigeria in the first half was so horrible, but stepped up in the last 20 minutes to give Nigeria a good run for their money. Trabelsi’s side’s 3-1 victory over Uganda was scintillating and they hope to repeat that in the knockout stage. Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri is the key man for Tunisia, and stars like Ben Romdhane, Ferjani Sassi and Elias Achouri must up their game to ensure that Tunisia will have any chance to progress to the quarter-finals.
12. Mali
Mali drew all three games, with the only positivity coming from the draw against Morocco. The Malians showed how to face Morocco, but were disappointed against Zambia and Comoros. With inconsistencies their hallmark, Tom Saintfiet qualified the Eagles for the knockout stage in difficult circumstances, but he will have a lot to do. Lassina Sinayoko is now their only source of goals, having scored their two goals so far. Dorgeles Nene, Yvess Bissouma and Mahamadou Doumbia are game changers who are expected to provide the needed support to Sinayoko, but much has not seen from them.
13. Mozambique
The Mambas of Mozambique recorded their first-ever win at AFCON. In their five previous appearances, Mozambique had yet to win any game, but history was made when they defeated Gabon 3-2, which helped them to progress to the knockout stage. Defeats against the big boys, the Ivory Coast and Cameroon, were expected, but they will take much positivites from those games. The Mambas fought so well, and credit must be given to head coach Chiquinho Conde for getting the best out of the less quality squad.
14. Benin
Benin also recorded their first victory at the AFCON, just like Mozambique. Genort Rohr’s side made history with a 1-0 win over Botswana. They were schooled by Senegal and D.R. Congo in the 3-0 and 1-0 defeats, even though they looked solid and well-organised against these high-spec opponents. The 1-0 victory over Botswana on matchday 2 did the magic for Benin to progress. Steve Mounie is fully fit, and a lot will be expected from him in the knockout phase.
15. Sudan
Kwesi Appiah is a magician after guiding Sudan to the knockout stage of the 2025 AFCON against all odds. The Falcons of Jediane’s magical moment under the 65-year-old Ghanaian continues after defeating Equatorial Guinea 1-0. Sudan did not look so ordinary in their defeats against Algeria (3-0) and Burkina Faso (2-0). Sudan was in contention against Algeria after going down to Riyad Mahrez’s early goal until they were shown a red card. In the defeat against Burkina Faso, Sudan had the opportunity to restore parity but missed a penalty and eventually lost 2-0. Sudan must utilise their chances and also remain focused in their games to continue their slim hope of staying in Morocco beyond the round of 16 stage.
16. Tanzania
Tanzania got only two points from three games. With impressive draws against rivals Uganda and 2004 winners Tunisia, the Taifa Stars have already done the unthinkable. With Argentine head coach Miguel Angel Gamondi leading the team, Tanzania have punched above their weight, having scored in all three games. They are the least-ranked team left in the round of 16 and will have nothing to lose in the round of 16.
