The knockout stage picture for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is now almost complete, with the last-16 bracket finalised pending the outcome of the final group matches.
The Confirmed Knockout Draw
With just the three qualifiers from Group F left to be slotted into the bracket, the path to the final for the other 13 teams is clear. The tournament organisers have confirmed the following fixtures for the round of 16.
Mali will face Tunisia in what promises to be a tightly contested North vs West Africa clash. Meanwhile, tournament favourites Senegal are paired with Sudan, offering a potentially favourable route to the quarter-finals.
In other key ties, record seven-time champions Egypt are set to meet Benin, while Morocco, another heavyweight, will take on Tanzania. A tantalising fixture sees Algeria pitted against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Group F's Pivotal Placement
The final puzzle pieces belong to Group F. The winner of that group will advance to play Burkina Faso. The runner-up, however, has a daunting task ahead, with a match against South Africa awaiting them.
The stakes are particularly high for the team that finishes third in Group F. Their reward for qualification is a last-16 showdown with the Super Eagles of Nigeria, one of the tournament's most formidable sides.
Analysis: The Road to the Quarter-Finals
For the teams finishing first and second in Group F, the routes beyond the last-16 appear remarkably similar and potentially manageable. A victory in their initial knockout game would likely set up a colossal quarter-final encounter.
That next stage is projected to feature either Egypt or Morocco, two of the continent's footballing powerhouses. This means that while avoiding Nigeria is a bonus for the Group F leaders, the challenge escalates dramatically in the last eight.
The bracket ensures a thrilling climax to the competition, with traditional rivals and emerging talents all vying for a place in the latter stages. All eyes now turn to the conclusion of Group F to complete the knockout stage lineup.
