The round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 concluded Tuesday night with the final two matches: Algeria vs. DR Congo and Ivory Coast vs. Burkina Faso. This knockout stage was marked by a flurry of goals, hard-fought matches, and referees kept particularly busy.

A total of 22 goals were scored across the eight matches played, confirming the attacking flair displayed by the African teams. The matches between Senegal and Sudan (3-1), Nigeria and Mozambique (4-0), and Egypt and Benin (3-1) proved to be the most prolific, with four goals scored in each game. It's worth noting that the match between the Pharaohs and the Cheetahs required extra time before reaching a decisive conclusion.

Of all the Round of 16 matches, three went beyond regulation time: Egypt/Benin (3-1), Algeria/DR Congo (1-0), and Tunisia/Mali (1-1, 3-2 on penalties). The latter was the only match to end in a penalty shootout, which Mali won 3-2.

The intensity of the debates was also reflected in the refereeing decisions. Forty-eight cards were issued, including 47 yellow cards and one red card. The Tunisia/Mali match stood out as the most heated of this phase, with 10 cautions and one expulsion, illustrating the extreme tension of the encounter.

With inspired strikers, hard-fought matches, and some truly breathtaking scenarios, these Round of 16 matches lived up to all expectations. The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco now enters its decisive phase with highly anticipated quarter-finals, where the slightest mistake could prove fatal. Fatigue, injuries, and suspensions will make the matches even closer.