Uganda and Six Others Exit AFCON 2025 as Seven Teams Advance to Round of 16

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco is already taking shape, with at least seven countries eliminated from the tournament and seven others booking their spots in the knockout stages.

Uganda became the latest team to exit following their 3–1 defeat to Nigeria in Group C. The Cranes finished the group stage with just one point, behind Nigeria, Tunisia, and Tanzania. Other teams that have been knocked out include Botswana, Zambia, Comoros, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Zimbabwe.

On the flip side, seven nations have secured their places in the Round of 16: Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria, Mali, Morocco, South Africa, and Egypt. These teams now prepare to compete for a place in the quarter-finals as the competition intensifies.

Opinion: While early exits are disappointing for the eliminated nations, the tournament is shaping up to showcase the continent’s strongest sides. Nigeria’s dominant form, combined with the consistent performances of teams like Algeria and Morocco, suggests a thrilling knockout stage ahead. For football fans, the next rounds promise high-stakes encounters, dramatic finishes, and the potential emergence of new African stars on the biggest stage.